Thomas Judek, University of Regina Sports Information
REGINA - The University of Regina women's volleyball team pulled off a crucial victory against Thompson Rivers University in five close sets Friday night at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health, and Sport.
Both the Cougars and the WolfPack came into the game with identical 6-8 records and needing a win to break the tie and climb above the rest for the final spot in the Canada West playoffs. After falling behind following the third set, Regina won an important fourth set and the momentum carried over to the fifth to secure a Cougars victory.
The Cougars are now tied for seventh in the standings with the Saskatchewan Huskies after they lost to MacEwan in five sets on Friday. Regina will be in sole possession of a playoff spot if Mount Royal loses to Alberta in a late Friday match.
Regina won a hard-fought first set 27-25 before Thompson Rivers roared back to take the second and third set by scores of 25-20 and 25-21. The Cougars won a close fourth set 25-20, with a game-high five lead changes. In the fifth, the Cougars and the WolfPack started by trading points but a late surge from Regina led to a 15-11 set as well as the all-important win.
Outside hitter Ashlee Sandiford led the way for the Cougars by delivering 20 kills and 16 digs for the first of two Regina double-doubles on the night. Second-year setter Satomi Togawa had a strong game for the Cougars, earning the other double-double, with 42 assists and 12 digs. Jessica Lerminiaux had a solid performance, with 15 kills, eight digs, and three blocks. Libero Taylor Ungar led the team with 18 digs, while also chipping in six assists.
For the WolfPack, fourth-year outside hitter Rachel Windhorst dominated all night with 26 kills to lead the game. Mikayla Funk and Yevgeniya Nyukhalova had 11 kills apiece, while also contributing 16 and nine digs, respectively. Setter Abby Spratt had 54 assists to lead the game, along with 11 digs. Spratt also showed a hot hand in serving, with seven aces on the night. Spratt and Funk had the two double-doubles on the night for the Wolfpack.
Both teams face off again tomorrow night at (7:00) for the second match of the weekend doubleheader.