The Cascades faced a challenge when they took on the Capilano Blues in back-to-back home games on the weekend. Though UFV had their moments, the Blues prevailed in both games, winning in three sets on Friday and four on Saturday. It wasn’t as bad as you might think though, as UFV put forth a solid effort, and will take the losses in stride as they learn and search for their first win of the season.
The first set saw UFV compete well, but right away Capilano came out with a style of play that impressed, and UFV took a timeout with a score of 9-15 for the Blues. Capilano constantly dove for balls, recovered plays, and mixed up their offence with a combination of spikes and tips over the net. The Cascades battled back with a valiant effort of their own but lost the first set 25-18. The second set went similarly, but with some big plays that couldn’t be ignored. UFV’s #2 Landon Uy and #10 Ben Friesen stood out, but the Blues continued their style of play and it seemed to work against the home team.
The third set saw Capilano go on a run that prompted a UFV timeout with the score sitting at 0-4 for the Blues. Their hustle and morale were on full display, and UFV called a second timeout with the score at 1-7. From there they battled back and made the set tough for their opponents, but Capilano hung on and took it 25-23, winning the match.
The second game went differently, as UFV seemed to have learned from the night prior. The first set went back and forth but Capilano played like they had a chip on their shoulder even though they had won the night before. The Cascades lost the set 25-14 but it wasn’t all bad, as their serve was better than before. The second set saw a turn in the action, with UFV playing much better, resulting in a Capilano timeout, with a score of 18-15 for the Cascades. They went on to be tied with the Blues at 19-19, calling a timeout as well. In a display of solid effort the Cascades won the second set 25-22, marking their first set win of the weekend.
The third set was a close set through and through, as Capilano looked to go back to their winning ways while UFV wanted to ride the momentum of their second set win. The Blues won the set 25-21 although the Cascades were maintaining a high level of play. The fourth set saw UFV call a timeout at the 2-8 score mark and again at the 9-16 mark, finding it hard to beat Capilano, who were playing quite well. UFV got the set close at multiple points but lost, as Capilano took it 25-22, winning the match in four sets and the weekend overall.
The Cascades will look for their first win of the season when they take on their fellow Abbotsford team and rivals, the Columbia Bible College Bearcats this weekend, Dec. 1-2.
Image: Cascades Flickr
