December 3 - The holiday is set to be a month of regrouping for the University of Manitoba Bisons mens volleyball team. The Bisons dropped their second straight match to the No. 1-ranked University of Alberta Golden Bears, falling 3-1 (25-19, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19) Sunday night at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

Toon van Lankvelt and Matt Balchin led the ‘Zoons in kills with 15 and 12, respectively – but even the power hitters had trouble matching Alberta’s all-around game.

Manitoba looked hot at the start of the first set and led by five at the first technical timeout – but unfortunately for the Bisons, the Bears were just taking their time warming up. Alberta came back from the technical with jump, and was leading 16-11 by the second. Joel Shmuland hit an offensive high for the Bears and Manitoba’s defence just couldn’t keep him and Thomas Jarmoc in check.

The second set was much tighter from the first point and the steady pace played out well for the Bisons. Phenomenal offensive power from Matt Balchin and Josh Klassen’s cross-court kills proved too much for Alberta’s defence. Manitoba’s blockers, on the other hand, were on their game and the set – though close – rightfully belonged to the composed Bisons.

Manitoba’s defence checked back out momentarily in the third, which allowed Alberta to creep in for the five-point jump at the end of the set.

The Bisons defence faltered again in the fourth set and the Bears got everything to drop.

Alex de Chantal had eight digs for the Bison cause, with van Lankvelt and Josh Klassen helping out with six a piece. Nathan Toews had two service aces, while setter Drew Venables had 44 assists.

Shmuland topped Alberta hitters with 19 hits.

The Bisons now take a nearly month-long break before hitting a tournament in Florida at the end of December.

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