Defending champion Pandas open season with sweep of Regina

REGINA – The defending Canada West and U SPORTS champion University of Alberta Pandas opened the 2026 season with a straight-sets win over the Regina Cougars, 25-22, 25-17, 25-13, on Friday night. Johnston paced Alberta with 11 kills on .286 hitting, while Gray had 10 kills on .318 hitting. Setter Sophia Magus handed out 29 assists and added 11 digs, matching libero Misha Hameed. Alberta also held a small edge at the net, outblocking Regina 8.5 to 7. The win moves Alberta to 1-0 on the season, while Regina falls to 0-1. Alberta started the first set quickly, as Mackenzie…