Back on track

By Sean Nyilassy

The Dinos women’s volleyball team got back in stride Nov. 26-27 with wins over the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack.

Saturday’s game was perhaps closer than the Dinos had hoped. While the Dinos did win in straight sets (25-22, 26-24, 25-21), errors on their side made it more difficult.

“We made lots of unforced errors, but didn’t feel seriously threatened,” Head Coach Kevin Boyles admitted.

Dino Holly Harper had a game-high 14 kills, adding seven digs. Neda Boroumand and Lauren Perry kept the ball aloft on the Dinos’ side with 14 and 10 digs respectively.

Sunday was better for the Dinos. They got off to a good start, taking the first set 25-17. Despite another 26-24 second set, the Dinos remembered they’re better than most, taking the final set 25-18.

“We played to the best of our ability… with some lows,” admitted Boroumand. “It gave us a chance to iron out some crinkles.”

Harper was again the game’s top attacker, with 12 kills and eight digs. Boroumand was again a strong defensive force with 17 digs. Dinos setter Natalie Schwartz dug 12 herself, while more than doubling the WolfPack’s assists with 37.

Dinos addition from University of California Riverside Willemina Stikker-Breemhaar was eligible to play for the first time. Boyles was happy with the results.

“She’s been with us since day one,” he said. “It was no different from any other practice session.”

“Practicing with the girls the whole year, it just goes from practice to games,” Stikker-Breemhaar agreed.”

The wins put the Dinos back on track, after suffering their first two regular season losses to the University of Alberta Pandas Nov. 18-19. Next on the Dinos’ hit list are the University of Regina Cougars Dec. 2-3 in a pair of home games. Both games are in the Jack Simpson Gymnasium at 6 p.m.