January 12 - The University of Manitoba Bisons men’s volleyball team (4-7) overpowered the #8-ranked Trinity Western Spartans (4-5) on Saturday afternoon at Investors Group Athletic Centre (25-22, 25-20, 25-18).

Heading into Saturday’s contest, Manitoba had won three of their last six conference games including a sweep of Regina and a home split against Calgary. The Bisons entered the game in eighth place in the Canada West standings with six points.

In a highly competitive first set, the Bisons had to fight hard for every point. The feisty home squad led most of the latter first set, excelling on the defensive side. Derek Tyler and Stefan Bouw were exceptional at the net, denying almost everything the Spartans could offer. Ryan Munt capped off the first set with a smashing kill, as the Herd took the opening frame 25-22.

Sparked by an awesome individual display by Joseph Brooks, the Bisons set the pace for the sophomore frame, getting out to an early lead and never looking behind. A fine-looking touch kill by Drew Venables that provided Manitoba with an 11-9 lead emphasized a determined and diversified home effort. Manitoba took the set 25-20.

A fired up Herd squad carried momentum into the third set, taking an early four point lead. Manitoba began to focus their hitting on the strong outside and the result was the Spartans could not match the Bisons intensity. Hitters Ryan Munt and Stefan Bouw combined for some impressive offensive wizardry, mixing up deep and short shots. Derek Tyler ripped off two creative touches at the net and the Bisons had a resounding six point lead. U of M finished strong, winning the final set of the match 25-18.

The first victory of 2008 for the Herd was especially sweet as the ladies volleyball team swept Trinity Western earlier in the afternoon 3-0, meaning Manitoba took every set in both matches.

Individually, the Bisons were lead on offense by John Galloway (11 kills) and Joseph Brooks (8 kills), who was named player of the game. Defensively, Derek Tyler lead with 4 blocked shots. Trinity Western was lead up front by Steve Rogalsky, who finished the game with 15 kills and one assist. Defensively, Josh Doornenbal had 3 blocks for the Spartans.

Bisons coach Phil Hudson was delighted with his team’s gritty effort.

“We limited our unforced errors and forced Trinity Western to make mistakes. That’s the way it should be. They are a good team and they’ll compete hard against us tomorrow.”

The Bisons host Trinity Western in a rematch Sunday at the Investors Group Athletic Centre. The first serve takes place at 2:00 p.m.

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