The Calgary Dinos stand in the way of the and the Canada West final four championships.

The best-of-three playoff series gets underway today (Thursday) and run until Saturday at the .

The third-ranked Spartans split their regular season finale against the top-ranked UBC Thunderbirds. Trinity Western won the opener but dropped the rematch .

鈥淚 think we can take out of this game the fact that we need to come each and every night and compete,鈥� said Spartans coach Ryan Hofer, following Saturday鈥檚 defeat.

Royal Richardson finished the weekend with 28 kills and 14 digs, while Kelci French had 17 kills, 25 digs, three blocks and 16 assists.

Nicole Bazin added 16 kills and five blocks.

During the regular season, Calgary (11-9) won against Trinity Western (13-7), although both were in Calgary.

The Spartans had won 22 straight at the LEC prior to Saturday鈥檚 defeat.

The top three teams at the final four championships, which will be hosted by UBC (18-2), advance to the national championships.