Image Credit: U of S Huskies

By Victor Kaisar

WolfPack Volleyball Recap

WolfPack men drop five-set volleyball thriller on emotional night in Saskatoon

Nov 30, 2024 | 2:26 PM

SASKATOON — The Thompson Rivers University (TRU) men’s volleyball team gave it their all on an emotional night, but they came up just short in a five-set thriller (26-24, 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-10) against Saskatchewan Huskies in Saskatoon.

The WolfPack’s Friday night (Nov. 29) game came on the one-year anniversary of the crash that killed Owyn McInnis, and injured Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse.

“One year ago countless lives were changed forever in a senseless tragedy,” the WolfPack said, in a statement Friday. “Today and everyday we remember the incredible impact that Owyn McInnis left on all those who knew him and beyond.”

“Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse’s inspirational dedication towards recovery serves as an example to us all.”

The WolfPack and Huskies held a moment of silence before Friday’s encounter at the Physical Activity Complex.

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On the court, Sam Flowerday led the way for the WolfPack will 22 kills. He also hit .405 per cent and had a pair of solo blocks. Dylan Annala and Matthew Hamilton had a combined 18 kills, while Walker Sodaro recorded 44 assists.

The WolfPack drop to 2-7 to sit tenth in the overall standings, while Saskatchewan improved to 5-4 and sit in sixth place.

Speaking to CFJC ahead of the game, former WolfPack libero Dylan Van Spankeren said it’s been a hard day for him and former teammates, many of whom are still active members on the roster.

“I think all the guys on the team looked back at where they were one year ago and while I can’t speak for all of them, I know I’ve been reliving the hours in the morning and the early afternoon before the accident, and the months and the year that has passed, and how much all of our lives have been turned upside down.”

“I’m just so proud of those guys for being able to step on the court on a night like this. It’s not an easy week, it not an easy day at all, and I think the way they’ve handled it so far, and the way they’re giving it their all this season is commendable.”

In women’s volleyball action, the nationally ranked WolfPack rolled to a three sets win (25-15, 25-22, 25-14) over the Huskies to improve to 7-2.

Rida Erlalelitepe hit .545 per cent with 13 kills, Maria Dancheva hit .524 per cent and had 12 kills while Brooklyn Olfert added 11 kills, two aces, two solo blocks and 14 serve receptions for the high-flying WolfPack, who sit fourth in Canada West.

The two teams will meet again this afternoon, with the women’s game getting underway at 1:00 p.m., and the men following suit at 2:30 p.m.