March 14, 2026

Pandas rally past host Spartans to reach national final

Alberta

24-2,18-2

Trinity Western

19-7,15-5

Final	1	2	3	4	T
Alberta 24-2,18-2	18	25	25	25	3
Trinity Western 19-7,15-5	25	15	21	19	1

Game Leaders

Alberta

K: Abby Guezen - 14

B: 2 Players (#6, #21) - 4

D: Justine Kolody - 12

SA: 2 Players (#6, #21) - 2

Trinity Western

K: Kaylee Plouffe - 17

B: London Krahn - 2

D: Maryn Boldon - 10

SA: 2 Players (#3, #6) - 3

Team Stats

Game Statistics	Alberta	Trinity Western
Hitting %	.321	.176
Blocks	7.0	3.0
Digs	44	49
Aces	6	10

Full stats

Abby Guezen recorded a match-high 14 kills as the Alberta Pandas rallied past the host Trinity Western Spartans 3-1 (18-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-19) in semifinal action Saturday at the 2026 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship, presented by Booster Juice, at the Langley Events Centre.

The Spartans came out strong in front of the home crowd, taking the opening set 25-18 behind a balanced attack led by Kaylee Plouffe. The Trinity Western outside hitter, named the Spartans’ player of the game, finished with 17 kills, three service aces and eight digs in a strong all-around effort.

Alberta responded quickly in the second set, tightening its defence and finding rhythm offensively. The Pandas hit efficiently and capitalized on Spartan errors to even the match with a convincing 25-15 win.

The turning point came in the third set, when Alberta maintained steady pressure through the middle stages of the frame. Laila Johnston, named Alberta’s player of the game, contributed 11 kills, a service ace and a block while providing key points as the Pandas pulled away late for a 25-21 decision.

Alberta carried that momentum into the fourth set. Strong serving runs and consistent attacking helped the Pandas gradually build a lead before closing out the match 25-19 to secure their place in the national final.

Ronnie Dickson added eight kills on an efficient .667 hitting percentage for Alberta, while Payton Henderson chipped in seven kills and nine digs. Setter Justine Kolody directed the offence with 44 assists as the Pandas hit .321 as a team.

Maryn Boldon added 11 kills for Trinity Western, while setter Tayana Dmitruk recorded 34 assists in the loss.

Alberta (24-2, 18-2 CW) moves on to play for the national championship Sunday at 6 p.m., while Trinity Western (19-7, 15-5 CW) will compete in the bronze-medal match at 2 p.m.

MIKASA PLAYERS OF THE MATCH:

Trinity Western: Kaylee Plouffe
Alberta: Laila Johnston