Chris Raeside
Sport Information Event Management, Media & Sport Development Officer
The Capilano University Blues put up a spirited fight on Saturday night but ultimately fell 3-1 (20-25, 21-25, 27-25, 22-25) to the Columbia Bible College Bearcats. Despite Rallying for a thrilling third-set victory, the Blues couldn't quite overcome CBC's steady play.
Saturday’s setback meant a split of the weekend after CapU took Friday’s opener in five sets (23-25, 25-22, 25-18, 21-25, 15-11).
From opening serve, the Blues were playing catch-up as CBC controlled the tempo in the first two sets. The Bearcats led wire-to-wire in both frames, with the Blues unable to break through and shift the momentum. Despite some strong individual efforts, Capilano struggled to string together consistent scoring runs, eventually dropping the first set 25-20 and the second 25-21.
The third set, however, was where the Blues showcased their grit and determination. Locked in a tight battle at 20-20, it was Brayden Labossiere who ignited the home crowd with three consecutive blocks to give Capilano a crucial 23-20 lead. CBC responded by leveling the score at 24-24, but the Blues stayed composed. Kingsley Ndu delivered a clutch point to tie it at 25-25, and a CBC hitting error followed by a service miscue handed Capilano a 27-25 win. The energy inside the gym was electric, boosted further by the arrival of the Blues' basketball teams fresh off their road trip in Nanaimo.
The fourth set saw Capilano again battling hard, staying within striking distance and tying the score at 19-19 late in the frame. However, the Bearcats found their finishing touch and held off the Blues’ final push to take the set 25-22 and secure the 3-1 victory.
Offensively, Xavier Masztak led the Blues with nine kills and a block, while Simon Russo chipped in with six kills, three aces, and a block. Ndu added six kills and two aces, while Labossiere, Kai Haley Lo Yan, and Connor Collinson-Lea each tallied four kills, combining for six blocks.
With the loss, the Blues will now turn their attention to their next challenge – a matchup against the Vancouver Island University Mariners on Friday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. With just two games left in the season, Capilano will try to finish the season on a high note.
Leading the way in tonight's loss:
— Capilano University Blues (@CapilanoBlues) February 9, 2025
Masztak - 9 K, 1 BLK
Russo - 6 K, 3 ACE, 1 BLK
Ndu - 6 K, 2 ACE
Lo Yan, Collinson-Lea, Labossiere - 4 K#GoBlues #BleedBlue #CapU pic.twitter.com/SL0RkcYyJx
