SASKATOON — The University of Alberta Golden Bears are back-to-back CIS volleyball champions.
The No. 3 Golden Bears defeated the fifth-ranked Trinity Western University Spartans on Saturday in straight sets to win the men’s title for the second year in a row.
Ryley Barnes led the Golden Bears with 11 kills, while Kevin Proudfoot and Ryan Nickifor added another 10 each. Barnes, Brett Walsh and Reed May each tallied six digs as Alberta took the three sets, 25-19, 25-17, 25-15.
Alberta was dominant all weekend, winning all three matches at the tournament in straight sets. The Golden Bears allowed their opponents to score 20 or more points just three times in the nine sets over the three days.
"I’m happy and just so proud of the way the guys put this weekend together," said head coach Terry Danyluk. "To go 9-0 at this tournament is pretty amazing."
It is the eighth time in history the Golden Bears have hoisted the Tantramar Trophy after 24 appearances at the national tournament. Alberta previously won the championship in 2014, 2009, 2008, 2005, 2002, 1997 and 1981.
Nicolas Del Bianco led the Spartans with 12 kills, while Ryan Sclater added another five. Tyler Koslowsky, Adam Schriemer, Sclater and Blake Sheerhoorn each recorded three digs.
Trinity Western finished with silver for the second time in six seasons.
Also, the McMaster University Marauders repeated as CIS men’s volleyball bronze medallists after a straight sets win over the Dalhousie University Tigers.
The Marauders took the three sets, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22, earning a medal for a third year in a row after bronze in 2014 and silver in 2013.
"I am very proud of the way we responded after such a disappointing loss yesterday," said McMaster head coach Dave Preston, whose No. 1 seeded team was upset in the semifinal by the Spartans. "To be able to come back out and grind that win out is one of the biggest challenges a student-athlete will have to face."
McMaster player of the match Jori Mantha led the Marauders with 11 kills, while Brandon Koppers added another 10. Austin Campion-Smith led his team with eight digs.
Dalhousie player of the match Connor Maessen, Kristen O’Brien and Bryan Duquette each recorded eight kills in the match for second-ranked Dalhousie. Alex Dempsey recorded six digs.
"I certainly have to tip my hat to McMaster," said Dalhousie head coach Dan Ota.