WINNIPEG – The University of Manitoba Bisons completed the sweep over the University of Winnipeg Wesmen 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 25-21) in a tight women's volleyball game on Saturday afternoon at Investors Group Athletic Centre.  

"They fought us really tough," said Bentley. "It was real even for a while, but we just stayed firm." 

The Bisons proved their experience over the young Wesmen squad. The Bisons have a fair number of rookies with five, but this year's Wesmen has nine. Those nine rookies make up well over half the team's 15-player roster. 

The Wesmen battled with the more-seasoned Bisons, keeping it tight throughout the second set in particular. They tied it up 16-16 after of the set's technical timeout. The lead bounced back and forth with the Wesmen eventually coming out on top 25-23. 

"We just kind of let them leak in too far," said Bentley. "We just had a couple opportunities that we mucked up." 

The Herd was led to victory by second-year right side Kearley Abbott, who put up 21 points. Her teammate and sister, left side Josie Abbott, added another ten.  

In the backrow, Bisons fourth-year libero Cassie Bujan had a solid game with 21 digs. Bujan currently leads the conference in both digs per set and overall digs so-far this season. Her performance earned her Player of the Game. 

"Her effort is 100 per cent every day," said Bentley. "She's a really key part of how we structure our defense." 

On the Wesmen's side, first-year left side Emma Parker was the kill leader with 15. Ashleigh Laube, also in her first year, added another 14 for the visitors. 

The Bisons topped the Wesmen in straight sets on Thursday at the University of Winnipeg's Duckworth Centre. 

With Saturday's loss, the Wesmen have now lost their last 15 straight games. Their record falls to 1-17, while Manitoba's improves to 8-10. 
 

Both teams have byes next weekend, but come back to the court on Feb. 2. The Wesmen visit The UBC Okanagan Heat, playing at 6 p.m. PT. The Bisons stay at home to take on the Mount Royal University Cougars. That game starts at 6 p.m. CT. 

Both games can be seen online at canadawest.tv. 

Kills: 

Manitoba – Kearley Abbott 21

Winnipeg – Emma Parker 15

Digs: 

Manitoba – Cassie Bujan 21

Winnipeg – Madison Fyvie 22

Blocks: 

Manitoba – Allison Alcock 5

Winnipeg – Rylie Dickson 5