Abbotsford, BC – Gabrielle Attieh led the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades in both kills and blocks, as they took down the Regina Cougars in straight sets (25-13, 25-23, 25-23) on Friday at the UFV Athletic Centre

As it happened:
UFV launched out to a 14-7 lead in the first set. The Cougars hit back with four straight points, but the Cascades would close out the opener on an 11-2 run including two aces from Kristen McBride.

The teams traded points in the second as UFV went up 21-19, but Regina hit back to take a 23-22 lead. The Cascades wouldn't be turned away though, as Natalie Lemoine-Sells picked up two kills in the last three points to secure the set for UFV.

The Cascades raced out to a 19-11 advantage in the third, but a run of seven points pulled the Cougars back within one, before levelling it at 21 apiece. UFV turned it on from there, scoring four of the next six to end the match.

Top performers:
Attieh led the way for UFV with 16 kills, four blocks, and 10 digs, while setter Cailin Bitter notched 39 assists, and libero Emily Matsui had a team-high 12 digs.

Setter Annika Hufnagel notched 21 assists and 13 digs in the defeat for Regina. Bailey Balaberda led the team with eight kills, while Claire Sheppard picked up six kills, two aces, and four blocks in the effort.

Quotable:
Cascades setter Cailin Bitter

"As a setter it's really nice to have a lot of threats, and we have threats everywhere, so I can spread out the offence. I feel comfortable setting all of them in all situations. I trust them to put the ball away and they produce for me, so I love playing with them."

"Our team has three A's. It's anytime, anyone, anyplace, so we're ready to go wherever for playoffs whether it's here or anywhere in Canada West."

Where they sit:
With the win the Cascades improve to 17-6 in Canada West play and keep pace with the Winnipeg Wesmen and UBC Thunderbirds in the race for a home playoff date.

Meanwhile the Cougars fall to 2-21 on the season. The two teams meet again on Saturday at 5 p.m. in the UFV Athletic Centre to close out the regular season schedule. The Cascades will need a win, and a loss from either Winnipeg or UBC in their final regular season matches on Saturday to secure home court advantage in the first round of the postseason.