January 13 - The #1 University of Manitoba Bisons women’s volleyball team (11-1) defeated #6 Trinity Western Spartans (8-4) on Sunday afternoon at the Investors Group Athletic Centre in a five-set thriller for their second victory in as many days (25-14, 19-25, 25-22, 21-25, 15-11)

The Herd defeated Trinity Western on Saturday afternoon in the first match of the weekend series (25-21, 25-16, 25-23). It was the first conference victory of the year for the top ranked Bisons who have only lost one game all year.

The Bisons controlled much of the first frame with a focused and balanced offensive attack. Sarah Morrisette and Samantha Loewen were especially effective, as Manitoba took the set 25-14.

The second set started a little differently as Trinity Western was the hungrier team and held early and often leads. The Spartans seemed to capitalize on a few weaknesses in the middle of Manitoba’s defense, forcing several unforced errors. The Herd mounted a valiant late comeback but couldn’t get enough points when they needed them, dropping the frame 25-19.

The Bisons rediscovered their A-game in the third frame. Amy Matthews combined with Erin Nieuwenburg for a stuff block at the net and then served up a long ace to provide the Herd with an early advantage. Third-year setter Katie Davidson and Sabrina Barnes also combined for impressive hits, as the Bisons took the frame 25-22.

“It was obviously important to win that third set.”said Bisons head coach Ken Bentley. “We wanted to obviously be up by one and Katie and Sam both gave us lots of good hits.”

The tension was high to begin the fourth frame as both teams traded safe, short points. The Spartans served up a great set, led by hitters Dayna JansenVanDoom and Liz Spear. TWU forced a final frame by winning 25-21.

Samantha Loewen put an opening stamp on the all important final set with a crafty service ace which paced the Herd to an early three point lead. Manitoba had the Spartans on their heels as Amy Matthews, Sabrina Barnes and Erin Niewenburg provided outstanding front court hitting. Manitoba closed the match off with a 15-11 win.

Next for Manitoba is a weekend series with the Brandon University Bobcats (January 18th and 19th) at the Investors Group Athletic Centre. Both games begin at 6 p.m.

Trinity Western moves on to host the University of Regina on January 18th and 19th at 1:00 p.m., and 12:00 p.m. respectively.

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