Written by: Larry Read, Sports Information Director, Thompson Rivers University

KAMLOOPS - It wasn't the prettiest of victories, but the top team in the CIS Women’s Volleyball circle will take it. The University of Manitoba Bison (14-1) needed 4 sets to dispose of the hometown WolfPack of Thompson Rivers University 3-1 (25-19, 23-25, 25-14, 25-18).

Manitoba coach Ken Bentley had some praise for the younger WolfPack (4-11).

"The WolfPack played pretty well tonight. I thought they passed and served well. They defended well: that’s what kept them in the match. I knew they were going to be pretty tough at home. They put us in some trouble".

The Bison were led by fourth year middle Erin Nieuwenberg (Winnipeg, MB). She had 14 points including 11 kills.

"I was a little disappointed by our play in the second set," added Bentley. "We were up 2-0 at one point. Credit to them (TRU), they took care of their side very well."

Fourth year Left Side Sabrina Barnes (Winnipeg, MB) had 10 kills and 11 and a half points. Left-side Sarah Morrissette (Winnipeg, MB) had 11 points and 8 kills.

Despite the victory, Bentley is taking things in stride. "All of our goals are still ahead of us. We came here expecting them to play us hard. And they did. I'm glad we were prepared for that. We are still controlling our side of the floor as much as we can. There are still a lot of important matches yet to be played with three weeks left in the season. Everyone has control of their own destiny."

WolfPack coach Carrie Barrett was a little philosophical afterwards. "We are on the right track I think. At time our girls had moments of brilliance. They showed that they can compete with some of the top teams in the country. That’s a good sign."

Barrett added, "I'm still disappointed. We are not executing when we need to. For whatever reason, we have to figure it out."

First year right side Kelly Asleson (Richmond, BC) led the way for TRU with 16 kills and 17 points."

Amanda Frayne, A first year outside hitter from Kamloops, BC contributed 11 kills. The two teams go at it again tomorrow at the Tournament Capital Center. Game time is 5 p.m. PDT.