Abbotsford, BC – The UFV Cascades had their season come to an end on Saturday, as they fell 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 21-25) to the USPORTS No. 2 ranked University of Alberta Golden Bears. With the loss the Cascades record fell to 7-17, while the Golden Bears improved to 18-6.

The Cascades also celebrated four graduating athletes – Caleb Kastelein, Ryan Adams, Eduardo Ferreira, and Reece Wilson – in a pregame ceremony as they played their final game for UFV.

How it happened:
Alberta built up a six-point lead in the first after a combination block from Grayden Wiebe and Jacob Sargent. Despite UFV getting three kills from Eduardo Ferreira and two from Caleb Kastelein in the remainder of the set, the Golden Bears closed out the opening frame on a Sargent kill.

The Cascades battled back in the second, and with a 21-19 lead senior outside hitter Ryan Adams found a kill, and Ferreira followed up with a block and two kills to help UFV take the set.

The teams traded blows in the third, but Alberta managed to take a five-point lead. UFV's Jonas Van Huizen found a kill, a block, and an ace in quick succession late in the set, but the Golden Bears held on 25-21.

The fourth set was tied at multiple points, but after another Van Huizen kill made it 22-21 in favour of Alberta, the Golden Bears found the final three points to put an end to the game.

Top Performers
Eduard Ferreira led UFV with 10 kills in the match, while Caleb Kastelein and Ryan Adams each finished with six. Jonas Van Huizen notched 25 assists, and 11 digs.

Isaac Heslinga finished with 18 kills for the Golden Bears, while Sam Drybrough had 36 assists. 

Quotable
UFV head coach Nathan Bennett

"Reece, Ryan, Eddie and Caleb have not only excelled in their sport, but they have also demonstrated admirable qualities that extend beyond the playing field. Their commitment to teamwork, discipline, and perseverance has not only shaped them as athletes but as individuals poised for success in any endeavor. From early morning practices to late-night study sessions, they have all shown an unwavering commitment to both academic and athletic excellence. The countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and determination have led to not only personal achievements but victories that have brought pride to our entire community."

"They earned that spot, and they earned the chance to play, and at the end of the day, they did a great job."