WVB – The Mount Royal Cougars returned to Kenyon Court on Saturday evening to face the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack for the second game of their weekend series. After falling to the Wolfpack in four sets on Friday night, the Cougars looked to bounce back, while Thompson Rivers aimed to complete the weekend sweep.
Thompson Rivers picked up where they left off on Friday night, with Keira Gent, Hail Ward and Rida Erlalelitepe leading the Wolfpack offence in the opening set. The trio helped TRU establish control early, putting pressure on the Cougars as Mount Royal struggled to find a consistent response. Faith Obasi worked to generate offence for MRU, but the Wolfpack continued to capitalize on their opportunities to maintain the advantage. TRU closed out the set with a 25-16 win to take an early 1-0 lead.
Mount Royal showed more fight in the second set, with Aurora Bentrim and Megan Jones leading the Cougars as they looked to respond. Raven Ogbodu also contributed as MRU kept the set closer, trading points with the Wolfpack and working to find their offensive rhythm. However, Thompson Rivers continued to answer the Cougars’ push, holding off the comeback attempt to take the set 25-21 and extend their match lead to 2-0.
The Cougars came out with renewed energy in the third set, flipping the momentum and putting pressure on the Wolfpack early. With Bentrim, Jones and Ogbodu helping drive the offence, Mount Royal built a two-point advantage at 15-13, forcing Thompson Rivers to call a timeout.
Ogbodu and Awien Ngor helped MRU build on their lead, extending their advantage to as many as six points as the Cougars continued to find their rhythm. Bentrim also played a key role down the stretch, helping Mount Royal close out a 25-19 set victory and cut the Wolfpack’s match lead to 2-1.
Thompson Rivers came out strong in the fourth set, with Myah Cressy joining Gent and Ward to strengthen the Wolfpack’s presence at the net. The trio helped TRU re-establish control as they looked to close out the match and complete the weekend sweep over the Cougars.
Erika Bang delivered two late service aces to help the Cougars cut into the deficit, bringing the score to 21-17 and giving MRU a late push. However, Thompson Rivers held off the rally and pulled away to take the set 25-19, securing the match and completing the weekend sweep.
Mount Royal will travel to Winnipeg next weekend to take on the Wesmen, while the Wolfpack return home to host the Regina Cougars.
Player of the Game: #4 Faith Obasi who led the Cougars defensively with five blocks in the match against the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack.
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