March 13, 2026

Pandas rally past Carabins to reach national semifinal

#8 Montreal

0-1,13-8

#1 Alberta

1-0,18-2

Final	1	2	3	4	T
#8 Montreal 0-1,13-8	20	25	19	12	1
#1 Alberta 1-0,18-2	25	23	25	25	3

Game Leaders

#8 Montreal

K: Sephora Menye obele - 14

B: Milica Djordjevic - 5

D: Naomi Babii - 11

SA: 3 Players (#2, #8, #12) - 1

#1 Alberta

K: Abby Guezen - 18

B: Allie Moore - 6

D: Abby Guezen - 16

SA: Allie Moore - 2

Team Stats

Game Statistics	#8 Montreal	#1 Alberta
Hitting %	.123	.298
Blocks	8.0	12.0
Digs	53	55
Aces	3	7

Full stats

Abby Guezen recorded a match-high 18 kills as the top-seeded Alberta Pandas defeated the No. 8 Montréal Carabins 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-19, 25-12) in the fourth quarterfinal of the 2026 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship, presented by Booster Juice, Friday at the Langley Events Centre.

With the victory, the Canada West champion Pandas improved to 23-2 overall (18-2 CW) and advanced to Saturday’s national semifinal against the host Trinity Western Spartans at 6 p.m. Montréal, the RSEQ finalist, fell to 15-12 (13-8 RSEQ) and will face the UBC Thunderbirds in a consolation match at 2 p.m.

Guezen, named Alberta’s player of the game, added 16 digs and three blocks to lead a balanced Pandas attack that finished with 50 kills and a .298 hitting percentage.

Montreal’s player of the game, Sephora Menye Obele, paced the Carabins with 14 kills, while Julia Lanthier added eight on an efficient .400 hitting clip.

Alberta set the tone early, taking the opening set 25-20 behind strong play at the net and a pair of service aces during a key mid-set run. The Carabins responded in the second set, using aggressive serving and timely blocks to build a late advantage before closing it out 25-23 to even the match.

The Pandas regained control in the third. Guezen and Allie Moore combined for several key points down the stretch as Alberta pulled away to win 25-19 and take a 2-1 lead.

Alberta then dominated the fourth set. After jumping out to an early advantage, the Pandas steadily extended the lead with a combination of strong defense and efficient attacking. A late block sealed the 25-12 victory and secured Alberta’s place in the semifinal round.

Justine Kolody orchestrated the Pandas offence with 37 assists, while Moore chipped in 10 kills and six total blocks. Laila Johnston also contributed 10 kills and 13 digs in the win.

Naomi Babii led Montréal with 32 assists, while Milica Djordjevic added nine kills and five block assists for the Carabins.

MIKASA PLAYERS OF THE GAME:

Montréal: Sephora Menye Obele
Alberta: Abby Guezen