Men’s volleyball
The University of Manitoba Bison men’s volleyball team was in a tough test against the fourth-place Trinity Western Spartans this weekend. The Bisons entered the weekend on the bubble for one of the top four spots, but weren’t able to beat the Spartans.
Manitoba pushed the Spartans to five sets both Friday and Saturday night. On Friday night the Bisons dropped their first two sets (26-24, 25-19), but showed their resilience by fighting back and taking the next two (25-23, 25-19). With their backs against the wall, the Spartans responded by taking the fifth set (15-7), ending the Bisons’ comeback.
The action was back and forth Saturday night with the Bisons trading wins set for set, winning the first (30-28) and third set (25-22) but dropping the second (22-25) and fourth (25-27). The Spartans broke the pattern by taking the fifth set for the second night in a row.
Devren Dear had a big night Friday, notching 27 kills and 13 digs. Adam DeJonckheere totalled 35 kills and 22 digs over the weekend, moving him into second in the Canada West for most kills, and second for most digs. Luke Herr added to his impressive assist totals, setting his teammates up with 102 assists this weekend. Herr now has the second most assists in the conference. The Bisons also received solid contributions over the weekend from Kenny Rooney with 19 kills, and Kevin Falconer with 15 kills.
Women’s volleyball
The women’s volleyball team was also in action against the Trinity Western Spartans this weekend, splitting the weekend series. The Bisons lost the first two sets Friday night (25-15, 25-20) but fought back to take three straight sets (23-25, 22-25, 19-21).
The Bisons carried the momentum into Saturday night, taking the first set by a wide margin (25-16), but the Spartans rallied to win three straight sets (25-15, 25-15, 25-22). The weekend puts the national champs in 11th place in the Canada West and four spots out of the playoffs.
Rachel Cockrell led the Bisons over the weekend with 28 kills and 28 digs. Brittany Habing picked up 70 assists and 25 digs, Libero Caleigh Dobie picked up 24 digs on Friday night, and Jordana Milne added 19 kills over the weekend.
Both men’s and women’s volleyball teams are in action against UBC next weekend.
Men’s hockey
The Bisons men’s hockey team was on the road this weekend facing a struggling Lethbridge squad searching for their first win of the season. The Bisons weren’t able to capitalize on the woes of Lethbridge, dropping Friday and Saturday night’s games 3-1 and 5-2.
The Bisons poured on the offensive pressure throughout the weekend but were stymied by a hot goaltender from Lethbridge. Damien Ketlo put Lethbridge on his back, frustrating the Bisons with 75 saves over two games.
Bison goaltender Deven Dubyk was coming off a strong performance before the bye week and only allowed two goals on 30 shots in Friday night’s loss. Rookie goaltender Byron Spriggs got the call on Saturday, making 18 saves in a 5-2 loss.
Brett Dudar picked up two goals this weekend, scoring the lone goal on Friday night and adding a second goal on Saturday. Dudar also added an assist and finished with a +2 on Saturday. Taylor Dickin assisted on Dudar’s goal Friday night and netted a goal on Saturday night. Jordan DePape had two assists on Saturday night and Brock Sutherland picked up an assist in both games.
The Bisons now sit just a few points back of UBC in fifth place in the Canada West with a record of 5-5-0. The Bisons play host to the best team in the nation next weekend when the University of Alberta Golden Bears come to town. A win against the U of A would be a big step for the young Bison squad and could help move them up in the standings.
