Dinos make pemmican out of Bisons

By Kris Kotarski

Two thousand years ago, the proudest boast was civis Romanus sum. Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is Ich bin ein Dinos fan.

The University of Calgary women’s volleyball team beat the University of Manitoba Bisons 3-1 in exhibition action on Fri., Oct. 26. After this momentous victory over the defending national champions, the somewhat modified words of John F. Kennedy’s June 26, 1963 speech to the people of Berlin still ring true.

"We have a completely different offence since Krista [Kinsman] has come back," said Dinos Head Coach Kevin Boyles. "I think most people in the country expected her to play on the right side but Joanna [Niemczewska] has been so good right there we’re keeping her on the floor right now.

"We have lots of cool ways to have Krista score from the middle."

Kinsman played great in the middle against Manitoba recording 12 kills. Power hitter Alisa Marriott had an excellent game as well with 12 kills of her own at a 60 per cent efficiency. These are not only numbers worthy of a great volleyball player–they’re worthy of Walker, Texas Ranger.

"I still got a thing or two to show the rookies," said Marriott, a wily fifth-year vet. "Strength, age and experience.

"We had a little more pressure–a little more awareness that we had to beat them," she added. "That was the last time we were going to see them before it really counts so we wanted to send a message."

The Dinos certainly did–Manitoba looked outclassed and confused by the Calgary attack. Only a slip of focus in the third set ruined an otherwise perfect night for Marriott and crew.

"That pesky third set happened again," she smiled. "We’re working on it. That’s the thing, when we play well no one can play with us."

Next up for Calgary is a trip to Edmonton to open their season against the University of Alberta on Nov. 2-3. "We haven’t taken both matches up at Alberta in over seven years," said Boyles. "This is a big step to go into their gym and win two games. But, I wouldn’t bet against us."

Rally Points:

Dinos captain Amanda Moppett chalked up her team’s win to Alisa Marriott’s hair. "Her hair looked fantastic," said Moppett, and proceeded to pull her own hair back describing her teammate’s fresh look.

"It’s the key to my game," said Marriott with a grin.

While the Dinos dropped two exhibition games to Manitoba in early October and Boyles was subsequently accused of communism, there was no reason for him to worry about his job. However, he did spend most of the weekend in the broadcast booth commentating the men’s Husky Dino Cup games for The Score. A possible backup career?

"No," said Boyles, quickly killing that rumour.