EDMONTON – Carolyn O'Dwyer became the second-fastest coach in University of Alberta history to reach 100 career wins as the Pandas beat the Trinity Western Spartans 3-1 on Saturday at the Saville Community Sports Centre, 26-24, 28-26, 21-25, 25-18, in front of 937 fans.

O'Dwyer reached the milestone in just 117 games, trailing only Ian Herbers, who got to 100 wins in 115.

Mackenzie Pool led Alberta with 19 kills on .400 hitting, while Sara Gray added 15 kills and 11 digs. Setter Sophia Magus handed out 38 assists, and libero Misha Hameed had 15 digs. The Pandas hit .201 to Trinity Western's .133 and had a 14.0 to 11.0 advantage in blocks, including five block assists from Allie Moore. Maryn Boldon led Trinity Western with 16 kills.

The win moves Alberta to 4-0 on the season, while Trinity Western falls to 2-2.

The first set was close from start to finish. Alberta jumped out to a 4-0 lead and then 10-2, but Trinity Western fought back and tied it at 19 after a 4-0 run. The teams were tied three more times down the stretch, at 22, 23 and 24, before the Pandas won the last two points for a 26-24 win.

The second set was just as tight. Trinity Western led 10-7 before Alberta rallied to tie it at 11, and the set was tied 12 more times from there. The Spartans got to set point at 24-23 and again at 25-24, but Alberta saved both and then closed it out 28-26.

Trinity Western took the third set 25-21, using a run in the middle of the set to turn a three-point deficit into a lead and holding Alberta to a .074 attack percentage. The Pandas responded in the fourth, ripping off six straight points to lead 8-2 and extending the lead to as many as nine points before winning 25-18.

The Pandas will travel to face the Manitoba Bisons on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:45 p.m. The game can be seen live on Canada West TV powered by BioSteel.

Trinity Western will host the Winnipeg Wesmen on Friday, Nov. 13, at noon.

-UA-