Nov. 5 - The Manitoba Bison opened the 2004-05 season with a five set loss to the Winnipeg Wesmen 3-2 (25-22, 25-19, 19-25, 15-25, 18-16).

The opening set was the closest of the night as the Wesmen took the Bisons 25- 22.

Set two saw the Wesmen again best the Bisons 25-19. The Bisons seemed to have trouble finding their stride, making several service errors.

Set three was a change in play as the Bisons took to the court determined not to lose in three straight sets. There were excellent rallies, big attacks and timely blocks that put the Bisons over the Wesmen 25-19.

Set four was again all Bisons as the rallies continued in their favour. The Bison's seemed to have found their game, as the Wesmen lost some momentum. The Bisson's cruised to a 25-15 win.

Set five was the most exciting of the night. Both teams were matching point for point, block for block and attack for attack. Neither team led by more than 1 point at anytime in the set. Unfortunately for the Bisons, they were still having trouble with service errors, which allowed the Wesmen to gain an advantage. In the end, the hard fought battle was won by the Wesmen, 18-16.

Players of note for the Bisons:
Toon van Lankvelt with 19 kills, 47 total attacks and 5 digs.

Players of note for the Wesmen:
B. Schellenberg with 14 kills, 37 total attacks and 5 digs.

Complete statistics...