The Trinity Western Spartans were one set away from posting back-to-back sweeps over the host Brandon Bobcats, before losing three straight sets to settle for a weekend split.
“We struggled to find rhythm tonight and in not finding rhythm we just couldn’t get our offence flowing,” said Spartans coach Ryan Hofer. “And full credit to Brandon, they played very well.
“We just need to get back and keep working hard.”
The Spartans won 3-0 (25-18,27-25,25-20) on Friday before losing 3-2 (9-25,27-29,25-20,25-21,15-11).
The loss overshadowed an outstanding game from Kara Jansen Van Doorn, who had a Canada West season-high 25 kills. It also matched her own personal best mark.
Amy Leschied had 14 kills and Chelsea Wand had a dozen digs.
Lauren O’Reilly finished with 47 set assists, to go along with five kills, four blocks and three aces.
In Friday’s sweep, Leschied had 14 kills, four blocks and six digs while Jansen Van Doorn had another 13 kills and six digs.
The Spartans, ranked second in the country, fell into a first place tie with UBC. Both teams are 13-3 with two matches remaining. The first place team receives a bye into the Canada West final four championships, and also gets to host the event.
Trinity Western is at home to Manitoba (10-6) this weekend at the Langley Events Centre, with a 6 p.m. start on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday.
