January 12 - Friday night the #2 Trinity Western University men’s volleyball team hosted the #4 University of Manitoba in a rematch of last years CIS national championship semi-final.

The Bisons, who lost last years heartbreaker to the eventual champions Spartans, came into tonight’s match full of energy and determination. They quickly took the first two sets and were able to hold of the hard charging Spartans to take the thrilling five setter 3-2 (25-20, 25-23, 25-27, 19-25, 15-9).

Manitoba and TWU were even for the first half of the first set. But with the score tied at 18-18 the Bisons went on a 7-2 run to take the set 25-20.

The second set was even the whole match. TWU led 8-7 at the first break and Manitoba led 16-15 at the second break. The two teams remained tied to 23-23, when Manitoba was able to take the final two points and the set 25-23.

The third set required extra time to determine the winner. TWU held off two match points to take the third set 27-25.

After the two teams were tied 11-11 to start the fourth set the Spartans looked to take control of the match as they moved out in front 16-13 at the second timeout. Manitoba remained strong and tied the set at 17-17. But the Spartans did not fold as the closed out the set with a 8-2 run to take the set 25-19.

The final set saw Manitoba take the early 7-3 lead. TWU responded and closed to within one point, 8-7. But that was as close as the Spartans would get as the Bisons closed out the match with a 15-9 victory.

Rightside Steve Rogalsky (Maple Ridge, B.C.) with 19 kills and outside hitter Jeff Stel (Langley, B.C.) with 16 kills led the Spartans, while Toon van Lankvelt (Rivers, Manitoba) with 14 kills and Matt Balchin (Victoria, B.C.) with 12 kills led the Bisons. Manitoba’ Josh Klassen (Winnipeg, Manitoba) led all players with 14 digs.

The two teams will match up again Saturday night. Match time at TWU is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Match Notes: TWU hit at 12%, while Manitoba hit at 14%...the Spartans had 17.5 blocks to the Bisons 13…there were a total of 38 service errors committed in tonight’s match: 20 by TWU and 18 by Manitoba….today’s match was the third time in as many home matches that the Spartans had dropped the first two sets…TWU’s Spartan Web Radio broadcasted tonight’s match live over the internet…SWR will broadcast the remaining TWU men’s and women’s volleyball and basketball matches, including any home playoff games…

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