Box Score Written by: John Gaudes

WINNIPEG  - After a competitive, but disappointing 0-2 weekend against #1-ranked UBC, the #7-ranked Manitoba Bisons women's volleyball team were looking to turn things around against the unranked Saskatchewan Huskies on the first night of a home back-to-back at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Friday, November 8.

With a mostly mistake-free outing and some strong play on the outside attack, the Bisons were able to do just that - earning a straight sets victory (25-13, 25-18, 25-14). With the win, Manitoba moves to 3-2 on the year, while the Huskies fall to 2-3.

Manitoba was led by right side Rachel Cockrell, who recorded 12 kills to lead all players. Middle Emily Erickson chipped in with four blocks and six kills, while left side Mariel Garcia had a good night with six kills and 13 digs of her own.

In a losing effort, the Huskies were led by outside hitter Candace Hueser, who recorded eight kills to lead her team, along with 12 kills and four blocks.  Middle Kayla Tycholiz and outside hitter Anne Hanbidge added six kills each.

Manitoba came strong to start the match, as they took the first four points on their serve to jump out to the early lead. Defensively able were Erickson and Garcia, who got up to make it tough for the Huskies attack in the middle and outside. This forced a big Bisons lead, and untimely mistakes by the Huskies late in the set earned Manitoba a 25-13 win.

The Huskies started better in the second set, but after taking a 9-6 lead, Manitoba roared back on a nine-point service game from Cockrell. The Bisons took nine of the next ten points to take control of the set, and Garcia closed the door with a few athletic attacks to get Manitoba a 25-18 set win.

In the final set of the night, Manitoba fed Cockrell early and often, as she was able to place balls beautiful in the corners of the court to spread the Huskies defence out and force mistakes. Saskatchewan fought back early in the set on middle Emily Humbert's serve, but were ultimately unable to dent Manitoba's armour, as the Bisons took another dominating set, 25-14.

The Bisons women's volleyball team finishes their weekend back-to-back against the Saskatchewan Huskies on Saturday, November 9th. First serve is at 5 p.m. CST.