Swift Current’s Dylan Mortensen and Braedon Friesen found themselves on the opposite side of the net over the weekend during a couple of U Sports volleyball matches in Edmonton.
The former teammates met for the first time in Canada West action and each team won a match. Friesen is a 6’6’’ left side for the University of Alberta Golden Bears. He helped the Swift Current Comp. Colts win a SHSAA 5A Provincial title in his grade 12 season in 2017.
Mortensen is a 6’7’’ left side for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. He is the reigning Canada West and U Sport Men’s Volleyball Rookie of the Year.
Saskatchewan won the opening match on Friday in five sets (22-25, 25-20, 25-18, 15-25, 16-14). Mortensen led the Huskies with 17 kills in the match as he accounted for 19 points to lead his team. Friesen appeared in two sets and had one kill.
Saturday, the Golden Bears replied with a four-set win (26-24, 19-25, 27-25, 26-24). Mortensen increased his production to lead all players with 30 kills as he accounted for 31 points. Friesen appeared in all four sets and had two kills for Alberta.
Alberta is currently third in Canada West with a 13-5 record, while Saskatchewan is sixth with a 9-9 record. The top eight teams make the playoffs, which will begin on Feb. 21-24.
