The 3–12 Mount Royal Cougars returned to Kenyon Court on Saturday night to face the 5–12 UBCO Heat, looking to build on momentum after earning a victory the night before, while the Heat aimed to respond and close out the weekend strong.
Both teams got off to solid starts on both sides of the net, trading points through the early rallies. Mount Royal received strong contributions from Mya Morgan and Aurora Bentrim, while UBCO was paced by Korey Jenkins and Natalie Funk. The Cougars created separation midway through the set, building a four-point lead at 17–13 following a kill from Bronwynn Davies-Neira.
Led by Bentrim, who recorded five kills in the opening frame, MRU continued to apply pressure and pulled away late, closing out the set 25–15.
UBCO showed resilience early in the second set, jumping out to a 10–6 advantage. Grace Coulter helped the Cougars respond with a pair of timely kills to trim the deficit to one, but Funk answered back to keep the Heat in front at 17–15. Ali Rathlef found her rhythm down the stretch, extending UBCO’s lead to 24–19 as the visitors closed out the set 25–20 to even the match.
Mount Royal set the tone early in the third set, as Faith Obasi delivered back-to-back service aces to give the Cougars an 11–6 lead and force an early UBCO timeout. The Heat clawed back behind Funk and Rathlef, eventually regaining the lead late at 20–18. MRU responded once again, pulling ahead 24–22, but UBCO answered with two quick points to force extra points.
The teams traded points deep into the set before Mount Royal held firm, edging out a 31–29 win to reclaim the match lead.
Sydney Scatcherd helped the Cougars get off to a strong start in the fourth set, sparking an early 5–1 lead. Mount Royal maintained control throughout the frame, applying steady offensive pressure and limiting UBCO’s opportunities to mount a response.
Bentrim, Morgan, and Davies-Neira continued to be effective at the net, keeping the Heat on the defensive. UBCO attempted to close the gap late, but MRU stayed composed through the closing rallies. The Cougars closed out the set 25–18, securing the 3–1 victory and completing a strong weekend performance at home.
Player of the Game: #15 Bronwynn Davies-Neira, who led the Cougars with 15 kills in the 3–1 victory.
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