November 17 - The University of Manitoba mens’ volleyball squad continues its historic rule over the University of Regina Cougars. The Bisons defeated Regina 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-14) Friday night at Investors Group Athletic Centre and successfully continued their streak over the Cougars, who have never won a game against Manitoba with Garth Pischke at the helm (117-0).

The Bisons (2-2) breezed through the first with relative ease, never relinquishing their lead and allowing Regina (0-5) to come within only three points. Toon van Lenkvelt hit the court absolutely on fire and kept his power on top to lead the set in kills. Fellow veteran Josh Klassen matched van Lenkvelt’s power and the pair led the home team to the easy set.

Manitoba did not take anything off in the second and set their sights on a short game, entering the third with an obvious victory in mind. They got off to a 9-1 lead thanks to the unrelenting play of the blocking-hitting quad of Van Lenkvelt, Jeff Zylstra, Nathan Toews and Matt Balchin.

Toews was a human wall through the third set and the Herd defence was the deciding force in the eventual 25-14 win.

van Lenkvelt led the team with 16 kills, with Balchin and Klassen registering six and four, respectively. Setter Drew Venables saw the start for the first time at home this season and was an assisting force to be reckoned with. Klassen also recorded five service aces, while van Lenkvelt and Toews led the ‘Zoons blocking with seven and six, respectively.

Regina’s major offensive force was Mathew Brooks, who had eight kills.

The Bisons and Cougars play the rematch Saturday night at Investors Group. Game time is 8 p.m. CT.

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