Dayton Pagliericci was an imposing presence for the Cascades on Saturday, racking up 10 kills. (Tree Frog Imaging file photo)
The University of the Fraser Valley men’s volleyball team made a statement that they’ve got what it takes to have success on the road, completing a weekend sweep of the Douglas Royals in decisive three-set fashion on Saturday night in New Westminster.
Coming off a nail-biting five-set triumph on Friday, the Cascades were much more efficient in the rematch, winning 25-17, 25-14, 25-20.
UFV (10-3, second in PACWEST) not only swept the weekend doubleheader, they swept the season series against Douglas (5-8, sixth in PACWEST).
“We were just more consistent tonight – we eliminated the roller-coaster ride that yesterday was,” Cascades head coach Kyle Donen said. “We had a bit of a slower start, but we took off and I felt that we were in control for most of the match. We maintained that level of play through and through.”
Right side Joel Kleingeltink continued his outstanding senior season by leading the team with 11 kills and chipping in with three blocks, two aces and eight digs. Middle Dayton Pagliericci notched 10 kills and two blocks, and libero Isaiah Dahl had 10 digs, including several of the spectacular variety.
The CCAA No. 8-ranked Cascades came into the weekend with a decisive home/road split over the last two-plus seasons – they’d won 68.8 per cent of their home games (22-10), but just 28.6 per cent (8-20) away from the Envision Athletic Centre.
Donen noted that opening the road-centric second half (which features eight of 12 games on the road) in successful fashion meant a lot to his club.
“The goal was to get off on the right foot and prove we can be a road team as well,” he said. “We can go on the road next week with confidence, and we’re looking forward to another challenge.”
The Cascades volleyball teams are back in action next weekend with a home-and-home series against the Capilano Blues. The two teams clash in Abbotsford on Friday, and at Capilano’s North Vancouver campus on Saturday. The women play at 6 p.m. and the men at 8 p.m. both nights.
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