David Kent, Griffins Athletics
Edmonton, AB…..The University of Alberta Pandas defeated the MacEwan University Griffins, 3-1, to sweep the two match series for the 2015-16 Canada West regular season. The Pandas, ranked number one nationally in the CIS top ten, improved their conference record to 8-0, the Griffins conference record falls to 3-5. The set scores were 25-22, 10-25, 14-25 and 20-25.
The Griffins came out strong tonight and gave their cross town rivals all they could handle as the Griffins jumped out to an early lead in the first set and held on to defeat Alberta, 25-22, in the first frame. Michelle Bodnarek, a third year Arts major from Edmonton, AB paced MacEwan University with three kills and seven digs.
The Pandas showed why they are top ranked in the second and third sets as they dominated play in both sets, winning by 15 and 11 points respectfully.
The Griffins came back to life in the fourth set keeping pace with Alberta and several times running off four straight points. MacEwan University passed the ball well creating several long rallies which they would eventually earn the point on.
"We watched film from the first match and learned a lot about how they play, especially on defense," commented Bodnarek, who was selected as the Griffins "player of the game." Bodnarek finished with seven kills, a team high 13 digs and a .036 attack percentage.
"We gain a tremendous amount of experience when we play against the top teams in Canada, our team looks forward to next weekend's challenge of facing the defending CIS national champion, Trinity Western Spartans," said Bodnarek.
Cassidy Kinsella, third year Science major, from Leduc, AB led all Griffins with 14 kills and recorded 12 digs.
The Pandas were led by Kacey Otto, fourth year outside hitter, from Calgary, AB with 16 kills. Meg Casault, Edmonton, AB paced the Pandas with 13 digs.
The Griffins host the Trinity Western University (TWU) Spartans next weekend, on Friday (November 20th) at 6PM MT and Saturday (November 21st) at 5PM MT, at the City Centre Campus court, at MacEwan University.
ALB 22 25 25 25 = 3 (8-0)
GMU 25 10 14 20 = 1 (3-5)
For further information on the MacEwan University Griffins please contact David Kent, at 780-497-5324 or by email at kentd22@macewan.ca and Junelle Mah, at 780-289-3037 or by email at mahj67@macewan.ca.