Men’s volleyball team undefeated in fall competition

By Rhiannon Kirkland

The Dinos men’s volleyball team have been on a role all semester and carried that momentum home in a weekend seriesagainst the Regina Cougars. The Dinos were dominant in both matches.

They took the first match on Nov. 26 in three sets (25-15, 25-18, 25-16) as a result of strong defensive and offensive performances. Calgary had 27 digs while Regina had 13. The Dinos also out blocked the Cougars with 17 blocks to Regina’s 6.

The Cougars had a stronger showing in their second match against the Dinos on Nov. 27. The Dinos handily took the first two sets 25-18 and 25-19. The Cougars came out swinging for a close third set, which the Dinos won 27-25.

“We’ve had a great semester,” said men’s volleyball head coach Rod Durrant. “We are coming back off a national championship and their focus is fantastic. They’ve come in here, for the last two months they’ve been really focused and really committed because of that they’ve been rewarded with an 8-0 record and a number four ranking in the country.”

The Dinos entered this season as defending CIS champions with eight members returning from last year’s squad and eight new players coming in. They remain undefeated this season with an 8-0 record going into the winter break.

“Our veteran players have really accepted our new guys and have really brought them in and we feel that they’ve done a great job of challenging them and showing them what is expected. They’ve really lead by example,” said Durrant. “It’s confidence, it’s knowing what it takes to get back there. They know how difficult and how close the matches are and how good the teams are and what edge you need.”