Pandas to host CW Final Four after sweeping Winnipeg in quarter-final

EDMONTON, AB – The best women's volleyball in Canada West will be hosted in Alberta's capital next week, as the Alberta Pandas secured the right to host the CW Final Four after sweeping the Winnipeg Wesmen in the conference quarter-final.

After a 3-1 win on Thursday, the Pandas won 3-0 on Friday night, and will now set their sights on the Canada West Semifinal next weekend at Saville Community Sports Centre. It will be the second-straight year the Pandas will host the Final Four, after winning their 12th conference title at home last spring.

Abby Guezen and Payton Henderson led the Pandas with 10 kills each, as the hosts displayed both an efficient and diverse attack on Friday. Laila Johnston added nine kills, with Justine Kolody dishing out a game-high 31 assists.  

"It means a lot to be able to continue to play at home in front of our fans. It means a lot to our team, especially with these being my last week's playing here," said Henderson, one of two fifth-year Pandas playing their final season. "We are always trying to learn, and every week brings something new for us to learn. This week we worked hard on playing our game, and seeing what the game brings us, and not worrying about the outcome."

Megan Kendziora and Grace Vallis led Winnipeg with six kills each, with Emily Lavallee and Ella Werbiski adding five a piece. The Wesmen finished the match with 14 fewer kills and four fewer blocks than the U SPORTS No. 1 ranked Pandas.

Guezen and Ronnie Dickson led the Pandas with a combined seven kills in the first, as they squeaked out a 25-23 win. Winnipeg led the opening set 18-14, before allowing an 11-5 run to the Pandas. Alberta outkilled the Wesmen 12-9, but a strong service game from Winnipeg, which included four aces, gave the hosts problems.

The second set was arguably the best for the top-ranked Pandas all season, as they scored a 25-7 win. The Pandas had 15 kills and no errors on just 27 attempts, finishing the set with a remarkable .556 attack efficiency. Johnston had five of those 15 kills, with Henderson adding three, and Guezen scoring three kills and two aces.

The third set was the most entertaining of the match, which saw the teams tied 23-23. Consecutive kills by Johnston and Allie Moore sealed the straight set win for the Pandas. The third set was the most efficient for Winnipeg, who had a higher attack efficiency. However, the Pandas earned the narrow win thanks to a pair of key aces, two blocks, and two fewer errors.

The Canada West Final Four will begin next Friday with two semifinal matches at Saville.