November 2 - The number-one-ranked Bisons (3-0) came in to the Duckworth Challenge weekend on a two-game win streak in conference play, going 2-0 on the Regina Cougars the weekend before. The Wesmen (0-3), on the other hand, were looking for their first win of the season as they lost both their opening matches to UBC.

It was the Bisons who took the home-court advantage, at the Investors Group Athletic Centre, in round two of the Duckworth Challenge upsetting the University of Winnipeg Wesmen in three straight sets (25-19, 25-22, 25-22).

“It’s good this type of event generates a little more excitement,” said Bisons head coach Ken Bentley. “We don’t play each other nearly as much as we used to, but it’s good volleyball nevertheless, and getting the win at home means that much more.”

The Bisons’ Erin Nieuwenburg took charge of the opening set right off the hop making the first four kills for the herd. The home team never looked back on the Wesmen as they maintained at least a three-point lead throughout the set, taking it 25-19.

The Wesmen took the lead early in the second set going up 8-4 at the first technical. The Bisons however, were able to tie the game up with four-straight kills coming out of the timeout. In an overall tight set, Manitoba overcame the early deficit and won the set 25-22 with strong play coming from second-year middle, Ashley Voth.

The Wesmen jumped out quickly once again in the next frame. Winnipeg went on an 8-1 run with key kills made by Wesmen setter, Jayme Menzies, before the Bisons started to close the gap. In a marathon set, the Bisons were able to slowly pick away at the Wesmen lead and eventually took the set 25-22, winning the game 3-0.

Amy Matthews had 11 kills for the Bisons, while Nicola Dirks had 12 kills and 35 total assists for the visiting Wesmen.

After the game, coach Bentley spoke about the drama of the final set. “Winnipeg played very good defence, creating that gap, but we held our poise.”

“We have the skills, and other little things to be able to come back from that type of deficit,” said Bentley.

Game two of this series will take place Saturday night, November 3, when the Bisons and the Wesmen square off in the rematch at the University of Winnipeg’s Duckworth Centre. The game starts at 7 p.m.

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