Ruilin FuBears Volleyball
Two undefeated teams took the court at the Saville Centre Main Gym last weekend, as Bears Volleyball hosted the Manitoba Bisons. In a matchup of the second and third ranked teams in CIS, both squads were looking to maintain their perfect records.
Friday night’s match saw the Bears get in front early, as outside hitter Ryan Nickifor led the bears to a quick 25-16 victory in the first set. From there, the Bears simply overpowered the Bisons, with strong blocking and service performances all around leading to a straight sets victory.
The strong play from the Bears continued Saturday, though a reinvigorated Bisons team made it difficult, as both teams had their offences firing on all cylinders. 23 kills from Riley Barnes ensured a 3-1 victory for the Bears.
With a bye next weekend, the undefeated Bears will be at home again on Dec. 4 and 5 to play the Brandon Bobcats. — Mitch Sorensen
Pandas Volleyball
The Pandas were at home last weekend, hosting the Manitoba Bisons. Though they were CIS champions two seasons ago, the Bisons have yet to find form this year, as they came into the weekend 1-7. Facing an 8-0 Pandas team, the Bisons had an uphill battle from the outset.
Friday’s match saw the Pandas spin 10 aces from the service line, as well as maintain a kill percentage nearly three times what Manitoba managed. Led with 13 kills by 2014-15 CIS First-Teamer Meg Casault, the Pandas struck early and often en route to a straight-sets win. Also finding her place in the lineup was third year Gbemisola Ologotun, who had three blocks on the evening.
The Pandas onslaught continued Saturday, with Casault continuing her torrid pace. Casault’s 25 kills coupled with Kacey Otto’s 15 to edge the Pandas attack over the Bisons. Combined with an enormous 13 aces from the service line, the Bisons took one set and made it interesting, but the Pandas kept their play up for a 3-1 win.
Gunning for the solo spot atop the Canada West All-Time digs column this weekend was Jessie Niles, whose 30 digs on the weekend vaulted her to second place all time. The fifth years’ 1136 dig figure is only 21 digs away from a Canada West best.
Also getting a by next weekend, the Pandas will be at home two weekends from now, as they host the Brandon Bobcats. The Bobcats are 3-7, and are coming off four straight losses. — Mitch Sorensen
Bears Hockey
It was a high scoring weekend for the Bears hockey team, as they swept their two game series with the UBC Thunderbirds, scoring 13 goals combined.
The Bears triumphed 5-2 on Friday night, behind Levko Koper’s hat trick, and Thomas Carr’s three assists. The green and gold started the onslaught early, outshooting the Thunderbirds 10-4 in the first period, while also getting goals from Koper and Dylan Bredo. The game was never really in doubt from that point, as the final shot count was 38-17 in the Bears favour.
Saturday’s game was even more high scoring, with the Bears winning 8-5. It was close until the third period, as the Bears held a slim 5-4 lead, but then put the game out of reach with a three goal frame.
Seven different players lit the lamp for the Bears, with Kruise Reddick scoring twice, while Brett Ferguson led the scoring charge with four points. Jamie Crooks and Jordan Hickmott both recorded three points in the win as well.
The Bears will now host the Lethbridge Pronghorns next weekend, and will look to keep their four game winning streak alive. — Zach Borutski
