Harry DuPandas Hockey
The Pandas had an up and down weekend against the Calgary Dinos, winning their game on Friday 8-2, but losing the Saturday contest 2-1. Despite only registering three shots on goal in the first period, the Pandas were able to take the early lead, as Regan Wright scored her first career CIS goal.
It was the second period where the Pandas really blew the game open, scoring three times on eight shots. Seven different Pandas found the back of the net, with Amy Helfrich leading the charge with two goals.
The second game was a different story however, as the Dinos were able to jump out to a 2-0 lead after two periods, despite being significantly outshot by the Pandas. Sasha Vafina and Chelsea Court bulged the twine for the Dinos. Regan Wright scored her second goal in as many games for the lone Pandas goal, but it wasn’t enough in the end, as the green and gold had to settle for the weekend split.
The Pandas will look to get back on track against the UBC Thunderbirds this weekend. — Zach Borutski
Bears Volleyball
The Bears were on the road this weekend, though it only meant going a few LRT stops north from their home at the Saville Centre. In the second-ever series between the team from the U of A and MacEwan, the Bears dominated both matches.
On Friday night, the Bears used all aspects of their game to lead them to a straight-sets victory. Left side Ryley Barnes and right side Ryan Nickifor both reached double digits in kills, with 13 and 11, respectively.
Saturday night saw more consistent play from the Bears and another straight sets win, though MacEwan side forced the Bears to eke out a 26-24 victory in the third set. The Bears offence was firing on all cylinders with six service aces to win the day.
Next weekend sees a matchup of undefeated squads, as the Bears take on the Manitoba Bisons. — Mitch Sorensen
Pandas Volleyball
Another successful weekend for the Pandas saw them best their crosstown rivals the MacEwan Griffins in both matches on Friday and Saturday night.
Friday’s match saw a hungry Griffins squad simply outmatched by the firepower of the CIS #1-ranked Pandas. Though both teams got into error trouble throughout the match, the three-pointed attack of Meg Casault, Kacey Otto, and Karly Janssen was too much for the Griffins to handle. Casault had 15 kills to go along with 11 from Janssen and 10 from Otto, all contributing to a Pandas offense that outhit MacEwan by a margin of .213 to .163.
The Pandas controlled Saturday night’s match with eight service aces, 11 team blocks, and a .266 attack average. MacEwan only managed five, seven, and .054 in the same categories. Casault, Otto and Janssen all reached double-digit kills again for the Pandas, with 12, 11, and 16 respectively.
The Pandas will look to stay undefeated after a visit from the Manitoba Bisons. The Bisons have started the season a disappointing 1-7, and sit second to last in Canada West. — Mitch Sorensen
