VB: SSK, MRU hitters send powerful messages in weekend sweeps
Mortensen, Marshall named CW Players of the Week
CALGARY – Saskatchewan's Dylan Mortensen and Mount Royal's Madison Marshall were named the Canada West Volleyball Players of the Week by the conference on Tuesday.
Mortensen wrote the book on efficiency this weekend, all but assuring his team that any pass to him would end with a point for the Huskies. It was a spectacle for the hometown crowd to enjoy before the conference's winter break.
The outside hitter went up for 14 kills Friday evening, helping with two blocks and notching a service ace as the Huskies made quick work of the then 4-6 Heat. Mortensen converted on 50 per cent of his swings, showing his skill and power from the right side.
He put up even bigger numbers Saturday, slamming down 16 kills as his Huskies again swept the Heat, 3-0. Mortensen converted at an astounding rate of 80 per cent, while putting away two service aces. He chipped in a block assist and five digs for 18.5 points in the three sets.
Mortensen leads the conference in kills per set with 4.49. His efforts helped the Huskies enter the break on a promising note, now sitting fourth in the conference at 8-4.
They will return to the hardcourt Jan. 6 & 7, when they travel to Vancouver to take on the UBC Thunderbirds at 7:45 and 6:45 PST respectively. You can catch the action exclusively on Canada West TV.
Game log:
Dec. 2: 14K (.500), 1 SA, 2 BA, 1 dig, 16 points in 3-0 W vs UBCO
Dec. 3: 16K (.800), 2 SA, 1 BA, 5 digs, 18.5 points in 3-0 W vs UBCO
Meanwhile, Madison Marshall was on a mission of her own to push Mount Royal back up the standings after a less-than-ideal start to the season. Taking on the Manitoba Bisons, who also went into the weekend at 6-4, Marshall seemed determined to prove her team's place in the upper echelon of Canada West.
The outside hitter showed off her power and volleyball IQ throughout the weekend's matches, helping her team both offensively and defensively. The fifth-year consistently delivered in the big moments and when her team needed a boost.
Marshall slammed down 16 kills along with four service aces Friday evening, while working defensively to post 12 digs. The all-around effort sent a loud message to the visiting Bisons as the Cougars took the match 3-1.
Marshall continued to shine Saturday with another 15 kills and nine digs as the Cougars duplicated their success.
Her efforts helped the Cougars improve to 8-4 on the season as they take possession of fifth heading into the winter break.
The team will be back in action on Jan. 6 & 7 as they travel to Winnipeg to take on the Wesmen at 6:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. CST respectively. You can catch the action exclusively on Canada West TV.
Game log:
Dec. 2: 16K (.364), 4 SA, 2 BA, 12 digs, 21 points in 3-1 W vs MAN
Dec. 3: 15K (.371), 1 SA, 1 BA, 9 digs, 16.5 points in 3-1 W vs MAN