January 18 - First impressions are sometimes mixed and Friday night was no different as the#1-ranked University of Manitoba women’s volleyball team (11-1) defeated the Brandon University Bobcats (4-9) on Friday night at the Investors Group Athletic Centre in the first meeting of a two-game series (25-22, 25-14, 25-20).

Manitoba entered the game as the proud owner of the top ranking in the CIS with a dazzling overall record of 34-1. Manitoba has been ranked number one in the CIS Top 10 poll since the start of the 2007-08 season (nine polls). Manitoba has now won seven games in a row in conference play and 16 games overall. The meeting was the first of the season between the Herd and Bobcats. The Bisons have won 38 of 48 sets in conference action this season.

The opening stanza started off tight as both teams looked to establish the early advantage. The Bobcats held tough early as front attackers Crystal Cornish and Teagan Hunter scored a few opportunistic points as the poised visitors looked strong. The Bisons held steady and broke away as 4th year Bisons standout Sabrina Barnes was very effective, finessing short and deep shots. The Bisons won the set 25-22.

The Herd changed up the looks they were giving the Bobcats in the second set as the home squad led early, by as much as seven points. The Herd did a masterful job of executing the decoy attack. Manitoba spread the ball around tremendously as Amy Matthews, Erin Nieuwenburg and Samantha Loewen each had several excellent kills. The Bisons took the set 25-14, firmly in control. Christine Ewert displayed inspiring team leadership, digging the ball with style and setting up her teammates all over the court.

“I was very happy with the first two sets, especially the second,” said Bisons head Ken Bentley. “Christine played awesome as she read the ball well and led our transition offense.”

2nd year Bison Sarah Morrisette showed why she was named Smitty’s player of the week earlier in the week, powering the Herd in the third set. The Bisons won the set 25-20, prolonging their impressive winning streak.

Individually, the Bisons were led offensively by Amy Matthews (24 total attacks, 11 kills) , Sarah Morrissette (23 total attacks, 11 kills) and Samantha Loewen (35 assists). Sabrina Barnes led with 12 digs.

The Bisons and Bobcats will square off again tomorrow night in the second game of the weekend series. The game starts at 6:00 p.m. local time at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

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