ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Trinity Western University swept the University of the Fraser Valley in straight sets Thursday night at UFV Athletic Centre, winning 25-14, 25-21, 25-21 in the opening match of the Canada West regular season.
Kaden Schmidt led the Spartans with 17 kills on 27 attempts, earning a .444 hitting percentage and adding one ace to his performance.
Anselm Rein had 34 assists and also recorded six digs.
Jackson Corneil posted seven kills and six digs, along with two blocks.
Liam Remple efficiently converted four kills on six attempts, managing a .667 hitting percentage and totaling three blocks.
Tate Calles had a team-high 11 digs.
The Spartans, who were slotted in second in the Canada West Preseason Coaches Poll, will host the Cascades, who were ranked 12th, Friday in the Spartans home-opener at the Langley Events Centre.
Roan McCarthy led the Cascades with 13 kills on 31 attempts, achieving a .226 hitting percentage and contributing a total of 15.5 points. Silas Van Huizen orchestrated the offense effectively, recording 23 assists over three matches.
TWU hit .375 compared to UFV's .202. The Spartans had just five blocks to UFV's four.
QUOTABLE
Adam Schriemer, TWU Head Coach
"Sometimes what can make block defence really challenging is the speed and attack variations that your opponents play against you. I think we saw that today. UFV ran very fast and did a really good job of scoring and doing some different off-speed stuff, which made it tough for our blocking. There were moments when we handled it great, but moments when they made some really good plays. I thought Kyden and Kaden were awesome today. Kaden had a huge load offensively and Kyden (Dmitruk) was so good on serving and reception. During our preseason, we tried to use a lot of different lineups and I think that helped us as we entered these important games. I'm happy with our personnel and the different roles guys are playing and how they're able to do well in different positions. A Canada West win is great and we move on tomorrow to try to get another win."
NOTABLE
• TWU has won 13 of its last 15 games against UFV.
• The Spartans were 7-1 in the preseason.
• The Spartans are 13-2 all-time against the Cascades.
• TWU is 7-0 all-time at UFV.
UP NEXT
The Spartans return to Langley on Friday night for their home-opening game against UFV at the Langley Events Centre. First serve is at 7 p.m.
AS IT HAPPENED
Trinity Western initiated the first set with a strong offensive display, establishing an early lead with key kills from Schmidt, who connected effectively with assists from Rein and Corneil. The team extended their advantage with a series of points, including a service ace from
Cory Schoenherr and a notable block by Remple, taking control of momentum early on.
The Spartans maintained their lead throughout the set, capitalizing on UFV's service errors and showcasing a solid all-around performance. As the set progressed, Schmidt continued to be instrumental with multiple kills, contributing to a decisive 25-14 finish. The team closed the set extending their lead, setting a strong foundation heading into the second set after hitting .550 in the set.
Midway through the second set, the Cascades managed to pull ahead with a series of blocks and kills, creating a four-point gap. However, the Spartans responded decisively, with Remple and Schmidt spearheading a rally to tie the score at 17-17.
Trinity Western continued their momentum, closing out the set at 25-21. Schmidt's late kills secured the set win and extended the Spartans advantage.
In the third set, TWU capitalized on an early scoring surge, with Corneil and Schmidt providing key kills, both assisted by Rein, to establish a 2-0 lead. The set saw several momentum shifts, but the Spartans consistently responded to UFV's challenges. A mid-set run allowed TWU to extend their lead to 11-7. Despite UFV's attempts to close the gap, the Spartans maintained their advantage, aided by strong defensive plays, including a block by Corneil and Schoenherr. The set concluded with
Kyden Dmitruk securing the final point with a kill assisted by Schmidt, closing the set at 25-21.
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 11 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes in NAIA in cross country and track and field and as an independent team in men's rugby and women's and men's disc golf. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 14 U SPORTS team championships and 34 Canada West team championships.
About Trinity Western University
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in CIS sports. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
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