Regina, SK – The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades started off the new year with a decisive three-set victory over the University of Regina Cougars on Friday afternoon. The Cascades notched 10 aces and hit a combined .259, as they improved to 10-3 on the season, while the Cougars dropped to 0-13 in Canada West play.

As it happened: 
The Cascades started strong in their first set of 2024, jumping out to a 16-12 lead after a Natalie Crews ace. The Cougars fought back with Bailey Balaberda picking up three kills and an ace over the next five points to pull Regina level at 17. However, Natalie Lemoine-Sells found a kill, and followed it up with an ace for UFV to set up a Crews block to finish off the set.

The Cascades wouldn't take the foot off the gas in the second, as they took a 16-10 lead early on before two kills each from Lemoine-Sells and Gabrielle Attieh down the stretch sealed it 25-15.

After a 9-1 UFV run to start the third, UFV cruised to finish the match 25-16.

Top performers: 
Crews had an impressive night from the service line for UFV, notching four aces, to go with five kills and five blocks. Lauren Attieh led the Cascades offensively with 11 kills and just a single error, while Gabrielle Attieh had 10 kills, and libero Emily Matsui posted a team-high nine digs.

Balaberda had a team-best 10 kills and nine digs for Regina in the effort, while Cassadi Klapak had 22 assists and eight digs.

Quotable:
Cascades head coach Janelle Rozema

"We're happy coming out of the break with the chance to rest our bodies, but we also worked on a few things that we wanted to add into our game, so being able to do those things successfully tonight was a big step forward for us."

"We have been focusing on serving all year, so every weekend we are getting better and better, and it's turning out to be a weapon. We are really excited about that."

Up next:
The Cascades and Cougars meet up once again on Saturday in Regina. The match is set for 4 p.m. PT and is available to stream live on Canada West TV.