Calgary, AB — The University of Fraser Valley Cascades visited the Mount Royal Cougars on Friday, with the hosts claiming a three-set victory (25-23, 25-20, 25-19). 

The Cougars started the first set with intensity behind their kills, as Isaac Karstad earned the first point by returning a free ball too fast for the Cascades to get underneath. This set would go back and forth in service and attack errors with some successful plays from both teams. Notably, Jovan Stepanovic recorded two aces in this set, with each one highlighting the power behind his serves to stun the receiving end of the Cascades. The Cougars would be able to take the first set in 25-23. 

Shortly into the second set, the Cougars would go on six-point run as Karstad delivered two service aces to draw an early timeout from the Cascades. The Cougars' performance exemplified offensive dominance as the team totaled 14 kills compared to nine from UFV, to claim the second set 25-20. 

In the early half of the third set, the Cougars and Cascades, once again, struggled to serve the ball that would result in an exchange of points. However, after a quick serve from MRU, Grant Hill set the perfect ball for Ryan John to come soaring in from the back row to send the ball right between two Cascades players who were unable to get under the ball. Stepanovic earned another ace late into the third set to give the Cougars a 19-15 lead. The Cascades would call a timeout after the ace, which halted the Cougars' run, but it would not be enough to pull a comeback in the set as the Cougars would take the set 25-19 to seal a clean sweep in their home-opener. 

Jonas Van Huizen and Nimo Benne each had eight kills to lead the Cascades on the night, while Roan McCarthy and Kyle Cook each picked up two blocks. Silas Van Huizen added 21 assists in the loss. 

Ryan John led the Cougars on the night, as he racked in 10 kills, 2 service aces, and 4 digs for a total of 12 points. 

The Cascades and Cougars return to action tomorrow night for the rematch at 7p.m. MST.