Cougars win ACAC Gold!

The Mount Royal University Cougars women’s volleyball team has claimed the 2010-2011 ACAC Championships after defeating the Grand Prairie Regional (GPRC) Wolves in five sets, 21-25, 25-23, 25-23, 20-25 and 15-6.

ACAC all-star Andrea Price led the way for the Cougars with 18 kills, including seven in the second set, to help the Cougars capture their first ACAC title since 2007-08 and 13th overall since 1964-65.

Head coach Sandra Lamb says winning on the Cougars' home court feels unbelievable. “It so special to finish it here at home,” said Lamb. “We worked hard all season to get to this point, and to cap it off feels great…but we still have a lot of work ahead of us, this is one step and we’re not finished.”

Fifth-year student-athlete Diyon Van Nistelrooy reiterated her coach’s sentiment.” It’s a little emotional,” exclaimed Van Nistelrooy.”But there is no better way to go out in my fifth year than to win the championship at Mount Royal… it makes me proud to be a Cougar.”

Using their well balanced attack, sound defense and home court advantage, the Cougars were able to keep the Wolves off-balance all night, as three Cougars finished with double digit kill totals, including Price (18), Breanna Estabrook (14) and Julia Pasieka (13).

After dropping the first set 21-25, the Cougars came back in the second and third sets, winning both 25-23 to take a 2-1 lead. The Wolves wouldn’t quit however, as they battled back in set number four 20-25 to set up the fifth and deciding set.

Jumping out to an early 5-1 lead, the Cougars remained calm despite being on the brink of victory. Coach Lamb says controlling their emotions were key.

“This is what we play for,” said Lamb, referring to the fifth and final set set.”I told the girls to stay confident and trust in one another and they did, they controlled their emotions, executed and came out on top.”

Tonya Dueck was the top performer for the Wolves, reigning down 16 kills in a losing effort.

With the victory, the Cougars now move onto the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championships March 10-12th at UNB Saint John, New Brunswick.