On Saturday, the University of Manitoba women’s volleyball team opened the second half of their schedule. They defeated the Winnipeg Wesmen 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-13) at the David F. Anderson Gymnasium, to complete the series sweep. With the win, the Bisons improve to 6-6 in conference play, while the Wesmen fall to 1-11 with the loss.

Kearley Abbott was sensational in the match, connecting on 14 kills and committing only one error. Tori Studler was dominant as well with ten kills of her own, and Cassie Bujan led the herd with 11 digs.

The Bisons, now winners of four straight games, built confidence throughout this match with everyone getting involved.

“We really talked a lot about making sure we were talking,” Bisons head coach Jon Hykawy said. “Everybody on the court was involved, and it seemed like the energy was there.”

The match opened with an exciting first set, as the Bisons held an 11-9 lead heading into a Wesmen timeout. Out of the timeout, the Bisons attacked their way to a 20-13 lead, but the Wesmen didn’t go away. The home side put up five straight points, before Abbott connected on a kill, to give the herd a 21-18 lead. Manitoba would go on to win the first set 25-20. Abbott led the way for the herd, smashing down six kills in the set.

The Bisons carried momentum into the second set, storming out to an early 9-2 lead. Winnipeg responded with five straight points out of the timeout, cutting the lead down to just two. The Bisons steamrolled the end of the set, finishing with seven straight points. Abbott connected on five kills, and Haille Bujan served up two aces.

Manitoba was dominant in the final set, opening with eight straight points, forcing Winnipeg to take a timeout with the score 10-1. With the confidence they gained throughout the match on full display, the Bisons cruised to a crushing 25-13 set victory.

The Bisons will be back in action on Jan. 13-14, as they play host to the UBC Thunderbirds at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.