Thunder Return and Open Exhibition With Loss To Ooks

EDMONTON, AB – The Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) Thunder began their exhibition schedule as they welcomed the NAIT Ooks in their first game action since the 2019-20 season. After a tight back and forth first set, the Ooks took control and never looked back as they took the match 3-0.

The first set saw both the Thunder and Ooks exchange leads, ending with the Ooks grabbing a late lead and hanging on to take the first set 25-23. The Ooks kept the momentum going into the second set and held onto control as they won 25-18. NAIT kept the strong play going into the third set, jumping out to an early and large lead and never looking back taking the set 25-10 to close out the game 3-0.

Concordia's third year outside hitter Carson Hilburn spoke after the game: "it felt good to shake the rust off, and we had a lot of fun out there." Thunder head coach Ken McLaughlin, coaching his first exhibition game as head coach, added: "it was a strong first showing for our group. Quite pleased with our rookies helping to establish our middle and pipe attack. Moving forward, we'll be working on continuing to build our group cohesion and reception. Should be a fun next two weeks with this group who's hungry to learn."

The Thunder take on The King's University Eagles next Friday as they continue their exhibition schedule.