Connor Prium and the Cascades dropped both weekend games to the PACWEST-leading VIU Mariners. (UFV Cascades file photo)
The University of the Fraser Valley men’s volleyball team dropped a three-set decision to the Vancouver Island University Mariners on Saturday afternoon to close out a two-game road trip to Nanaimo.
Coming off a four-set defeat on Friday, the Cascades were close in all three sets in Saturday’s rematch, but the Mariners were able to grind out a victory by scores of 25-21, 25-23 and 25-22.
The last set was particularly tough for the Cascades – they led 18-14, only to watch VIU reel off the next four points to level the score en route to victory.
The PACWEST-leading Mariners improved to 6-0, while the Cascades (3-2) concluded the weekend in fourth place.
“Battled well today, just lacked the ability to finish at key points of the match,” UFV head coach Kyle Donen analyzed. “It was a game where we had our chances and we were definitely capable of beating that team.
“I think we learned a lot from this trip and hopefully the next time we have a chance to take on a good team, we can finish the way I know we can.”
Sophomore left side Ben Friesen paced the Cascades offensively with 10 kills, while libero Isaiah Dahl racked up 16 digs.
The UFV volleyball teams return home to face the Camosun Chargers next weekend. Games run Friday (women 6 p.m., men 8 p.m.) and Saturday (women 1 p.m., men 3 p.m.) at the Envision Athletic Centre.
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