Calgary, AB - The Mount Royal University Cougars men's volleyball team picked up a 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-18, 25-19) over the visiting University of Fraser Valley Cascades on Friday night.

Mount Royal saw a huge rejuvenation to their lineup with Jacob van Geel making his return to play after sustaining an ankle injury on Nov. 25 against the University of Calgary and missing the next six games. The 2022-23 Canada West All-Star displayed no signs of rust and was dominant right from the start.

Friday's game was kicked off with a lengthy rally that resulted in the Cascades winning the point. All signs pointed to a high-intensity matchup between the two sides.

MRU and UFV each traded two-or-three-point runs but after a couple of booming serves from Chris Byam, the Cougars pulled away to take the first set by four points.

After another commanding set from MRU led by senior outside hitter Max Haronga, the Cougars took a 2-0 set lead, looking to solidify a sweep.

In the third set, Mount Royal was able to wrap things up. Veteran middle Cody Boulding posted a game-high four blocks, as MRU continued their strong play from the previous two sets to close out the match over UFV.

"We put out a valiant effort tonight, but MRU showed their class," noted Cascades head coach Nathan Bennett post game. "We have a chance to keep our playoff hopes alive tomorrow, but it's slipping out of our fingers. We have to bounce back, refresh, and come back better tomorrow."

Cascades setter, Silas Van Huizen posted a team-high 25 assists, while Tyson Ardell had a team-leading seven kills and two blocks, and Jonas Van Huizen added six digs and two blocks in the Cascades' loss. 

The Cougars and Cascades will rematch Saturday evening at 5 p.m. from MRU's Kenyon Court.