Pandas Volleyball Win Canada West Championship in Thrilling Comeback

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta Pandas are once again Canada West champions, securing a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Trinity Western Spartans on Saturday night at the Saville Centre. The win marks the program’s 13th conference title and second consecutive, solidifying their dominance in Canada West women’s volleyball.

The match was a back-and-forth affair, with the Pandas taking the first two sets 28-26 and 25-15 before the Spartans mounted a fierce comeback, winning the third set 25-20. Facing a desperate Spartans team in the fourth, Alberta found themselves trailing 19-11, seemingly on the brink of a fifth and deciding set. However, a pivotal service run by Justine Kolody ignited a remarkable rally, ultimately leading to a 26-24 clinching set.

“It’s an incredible moment,” said Canada West Player of the Year Abby Guezen. “To share one last thing in our home gym, with our friends and family watching. We couldn’t ask for anything better than to win that game.” Guezen emphasized the team’s depth, adding, “Props to our players that came in for the fourth set. They just showed that no matter what player we have on the court, we can finish a game.”

Guezen led all players with a match-high 24 kills, adding an ace and six digs. Payton Henderson contributed 10 kills, while Kolody orchestrated the offense with 46 assists. For the Spartans, Maryn Boldon paced the attack with 15 kills, followed by Kaylee Plouffe with 14 and Sienna Driedger with 12.

The opening set was a tense battle, with both teams trading points and neither able to establish a significant lead. Alberta ultimately prevailed 28-26, fueled by a staggering 18 kills and four blocks. Guezen, Johnston, and Henderson each recorded five kills in the set, while Boldon led the Spartans with seven.

The Pandas dominated the second set, cruising to a 25-15 victory. Guezen was particularly impressive, recording eight of Alberta’s 17 kills. The Pandas’ efficient attack, committing only three errors and posting a .519 attack percentage, proved too much for the Spartans to handle. Alberta also added four aces in the set.

The Spartans responded in the third set, dramatically improving their offensive output. TWU increased their kill total from five in the second set to 17 in the third, with Driedger, Boldon, and Plouffe each contributing significantly. The Pandas, unable to maintain their earlier offensive rhythm, saw their kill total drop to 10. The Spartans’ stronger serve game disrupted Alberta’s offense, leading to the 25-20 set win.

The fourth set saw the Spartans seize early control, jumping out to a 14-6 lead and extending it to 19-11. Facing a potential fifth set, Pandas coach Carolyn O’Dwyer made a strategic lineup change, bringing in fresh players who sparked the comeback. Kolody’s service run proved crucial, shifting the momentum back in Alberta’s favor. Guezen ultimately sealed the championship with her 24th kill.

Despite a close contest in kills (60-51) and aces (7-6), Alberta’s ability to leverage strong offensive runs and maintain leads proved decisive. The Pandas finished the regular season with an impressive 18-2 record and are now 3-0 in the playoffs.

Both Alberta and Trinity Western will now travel to Langley next week, as the Spartans will host the 2026 U SPORTS Championship. While the Pandas celebrate their Canada West title, their season is far from over, with national championship aspirations firmly within reach. The Spartans, despite the loss, will carry momentum into the national tournament as the host team.

The victory represents a significant achievement for the Pandas program, continuing a legacy of success and solidifying their position as a powerhouse in Canadian university volleyball. The team’s resilience and depth, as highlighted by Guezen and coach O’Dwyer, will be key factors as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead at the national championship.