Trojans ride clean sweep of Broncos on Friday
Coming off a tough weekend of play, Friday’s win was just what the doctor ordered for the SAIT Trojans women’s volleyball team.
The Trojans made short work of the visiting Olds College Broncos, winning 3-0 (25-17, 25-7, 25-18) in their Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference contest played at SAIT’s Campus Centre.
“It was nice that we could move on from last weekend,” said Trojans middle Simran Dhami (fourth year, Golden, B.C., bachelor of business administration), whose team was swept last weekend by the Red Deer College Queens. “We need to not think about the past all the time, so I was happy to see that we were able to come back this weekend and just play our game.”
SAIT moves to 7-10 on the year, while Olds College falls to 0-19.
The Trojans sit in fifth place in the ACAC’s South Division, which currently places them out of the playoff picture.
They’ll need to get into the top four in order to earn a post-season berth, so Dhami admits they have been scoreboard watching.
"(Libero Stephanie Kirkland) and I literally sat down one day and did all the math,” Dhami said with a laugh. “We definitely need two wins this weekend if we’re going to have a chance ... I think we can still do it.”
Starring for the Trojans on the night was Erin Neufeldt (second year, Calgary, academic upgrading). The athletic outside hitter recorded a game-high 12 kills to go along with nine digs and one ace.
The Trojans and Broncos will wrap up their weekend set Saturday night back in Olds (6 p.m.)
BENCH BIG FOR MEN
The SAIT Trojans men’s volleyball team showed a different look Friday night, but still earned a favourable decision.
The Trojans bench got the bulk of the playing time and rolled to a 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 28-26) win over the visiting Olds College Broncos in ACAC action played at the Campus Centre.
“It’s always nice for guys to get some court time, but you need to use it correctly,” said Trojans head coach Sean McKay, who was not as happy with the three-set win. "You need to go out and play like it’s any other team.
“Some guys did and some guys didn’t.”
SAIT jumps to 15-2 on the season. Olds College falls to 0-19.
Mark Anderson (third year, Calgary, business administration) led the Trojans with 11 kills and two service aces.
Tyson Deschene led the Broncos with 10 kills.
SAIT and Olds College will finish their weekend series Saturday night in Olds (8 p.m.)
DEFENCE WAS BALLIN’
The SAIT Trojans women’s basketball team showed its defensive prowess Friday night.
The Trojans allowed just 43 points as they rolled to a 62-43 victory over the host Ambrose University Lions in their ACAC all-Calgary contest.
“Despite some lapses and mental mistakes, if you hold a team to 43 points at this level, you’re going to be in a pretty good position,” said Trojans head coach Bir Parmar.
SAIT moves to 9-1 on the season. Ambrose falls to 1-10.
Alicia Tan (fifth year, Calgary, bachelor of business administration) led the Trojans with 18 points combined with six rebounds and four assists.
Teammate Mel Thera (fourth year, Winnipeg, emergency medical technician) added her usual double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Caitlyn Hetrick led the Lions with 11 points.