Jason Hills
For MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON — It's become a bit of a broken record for the MacEwan Griffins.
The Griffins fell short in an ultra-tight seesaw battle with the University of Fraser Valley Cascades that saw them fall in straight sets (25-22, 25-20, 25-23) in a game that saw the biggest lead by either team at just five points, leaving the Griffins still searching for their first win of the season.
Jefferson Morrow led the Griffins with 11 kills and three digs, while Alexei Walisser recorded eight digs and six kills.
Nimo Benne led the Cascades with 18 kills as UFV improved to 4-11, while MacEwan dropped to 0-15 this season.
"It was close throughout, but it's the same old story," said Morrow.
"We have to find a way to win. At this point there aren't any more excuses, we've tried everything, but we have to keep fighting to find that answer to get that win."
The opening set was very close as both teams traded points back and forth. The Griffins held a 16-12 lead after a kill from Morrow, but UFV would claw their way back.
A block from Tyson Ardell would give UFV a 22-21 lead, and two big kills from Benne would give UFV the set victory.
"A big part of it was defence, they outplayed us," said Griffins middle Carsten Bergeron.
"For most of the game offensively it was pretty even, but we just have to find a way to come up with some big digs and make some big plays, and it will be a different game."
The second set was once again very tight, but MacEwan couldn't find a way to get a lead and run with it.
UFV held the lead the entire length of the set, and was finally able to put it away with three straight points to end the set 25-20.
It has to be frustrating for the Griffins, who were so close the entire way, but just couldn't find that extra gear in the final moments of each set on Friday.
"It's battling your emotions at that point. You have to stay calm and do your job. It doesn't have to be that complicated, but you have to find a way to get the job done," said Bergeron.
Jefferson Morrow led the Griffins with 11 kills on Friday (Eduardo Perez photo).
In the final set, the Griffins looked like they were going to extend the match, going back-and-forth with the Cascades.
They got off to a solid start, before UFV came back to tie it up at 6-6, but after UFV went on a run to take the lead, the Griffins fought back to tie it at 9-9.
MacEwan would then enjoy a small lead, before UFV would once again regain the lead at 15-14.
The Griffins would battle back to tie it at 22-22 after a block from Jonah Karsten, but UFV was able to complete the three-set win.
"The boys are trying as hard as they can, we just have to find a way," said Morrow.
"It's about having that killer instinct. Their No. 9 (Benne) does his thing, and we have to find a way to have that dog in us as individuals to push us over that line and push through it.
"He (Benne) really did his job to push them through late in the sets, and we have to do a better job late in sets."
"It's frustrating, but I know the guys are putting in the effort, but that first win has to come. We have another chance tomorrow, we have to keep our heads high, we have a big game tomorrow and we have to come out flying."
The Griffins will wrap up their weekend series against UFV on Saturday at 4 p.m. (David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).
