The January dash to the finish line continues this weekend, as winnable games and matches abound on the University of Manitoba campus.

On the court at IGAC, men's volleyball returns from an extended holiday break as they join the women's team in taking on UBC Okanagan, where both genders have struggled in 2018-19. At the rink, men's hockey tries to get over the hump after a thrilling OT loss last Saturday, as they take on fourth-place Mount Royal.

That, and what else to look forward to, in our weekend preview.

Volleyball vs. UBC Okanagan Heat – January 11 (6/7:45 PM), January 12 (5/6:45 PM)

WATCH: CanadaWest.tv
UPDATES: follow @BisonWVB and @BisonMVB on Twitter

After a solo weekend for Bison women's volleyball, both men and women are together again on the bill this weekend.

For the Bison men (4-8), they begin the second half two points out of a playoff spot with a favourable schedule to move up.

That begins this weekend against the 0-14 UBC Okanagan Heat, who have won just seven sets through 14 matches this season. Manitoba's attack starts with fourth-year Kevin Negus, who leads the team with a .201 attack percentage and 3.54 kills per set. Anchoring the "D" in the home stretch is second-year middle Brendan Warren, who continues to lead Canada West with 1.41 blocks per set.

The Bison women (6-8), meanwhile, head into the weekend in a four-way tie for seventh in CW following a rousing four set victory over Thompson Rivers last Saturday.

They take on the 2-12 Heat, who have lost four straight but feature a top ten kills leader in outside hitter Ann Richards (154 this season). Manitoba, meanwhile, have benefitted from a rallying of troops — Kearley Abbott had 35 kills combined in her first weekend back from injury, while Tori Studler, who rejoined the team before the break, has racked up 2.38 kills per set.

Bison volleyball tickets are $10 and available at the door, with U of M students and fans 17-and-under in free.

Men's Hockey vs. Mount Royal – January 11 (7 PM), January 12 (2 PM)

WATCH: CanadaWest.tv
LISTEN: UMFM.com
UPDATES: follow @umbisonsMHKY on Twitter

Eight points back of a playoff spot with ten games to go, Bison men's hockey (3-13-2) are hoping this weekend can be the start of a second half rally.

They have some momentum on their side to do so. After a gritty 3-1 win over third place Calgary to end the first half, they challenged the No. 2 ranked Golden Bears last weekend, unfortunately losing a tight 5-4 overtime contest on Saturday.

This weekend they take on Mount Royal (9-5-4), who swept Manitoba in Calgary back in October. Key players for the Herd include fourth-year Jonah Wasylak, who had two goals against Alberta, and rookie Jeremey Leipsic, who's racked up five goals this season including a pivotal one in the overtime game.

Special teams will be a key part of this series, as Manitoba comes into the contest with the fourth-best power play percentage, at 16.1 percent. On the other end, the Cougars have scored the most short-handed goals in the conference with six.

Bison hockey tickets are $10 and available at the door, with U of M students and fans 17-and-under in free.

#4 Women's Hockey at Mount Royal – January 11 (8 PM), January 12 (4 PM)

WATCH: CanadaWest.tv
UPDATES: follow @umbisonsWHKY on Twitter

Despite two disappointing losses at home to No. 2 ranked Alberta, Bison women's hockey (10-4-2-2-) are still well-positioned. They sit six points back of the first place Pandas, but are three points up on UBC in the race for to host a Canada West semifinal and earn a first round bye.

This weekend, they take on Mount Royal (7-9-1-1), who are fresh off a 1-0 win over the Thunderbirds. The Cougars have had a youth resurgence this year, as their points leaders — Breanne Trotter and Tatum Amy with 13 each — are a freshman and sophomore, respectively.

Manitoba, on the other hand, have added even more veteran presence with the return of fifth-year forward Alanna Sharman, who had an assist against Alberta. The power play should be beneficial to the Bisons too, as they continue to lead CW with a 17.9% success rate.

Basketball at UNBC – January 11 (8/10 PM), January 12 (7/9 PM)

WATCH: CanadaWest.TV
UPDATES: follow @BisonWBB and @BisonMBB

Continuing a road-heavy second half, Bison men's and women's basketball hit the west coast for a weekend series against the UNBC Timberwolves.

The Bison men (3-9) come in four points back of a playoff spot, looking to snap a five-game losing streak. They'll take on a UNBC team (7-5) that's thrived on team basketball, averaging 16.9 per assists per game — good for second in CW. The highlight will also be a pair of Toronto guards going at each other, as Jovan Leamy (20.2 PPG) of the Timberwolves and Rashawn Browne (18.3 PPG) lead their teams in production.

The Bison women (5-7) played solid defence last weekend against Alberta, but were unable to snap their losing streak, which is at seven games. The "D" will be tested again versus the Timberwolves (8-4), who are second in CW with a 43.6 field goal percentage. They also have one of the conference's top scorers in Maria Mongomo, who's putting in 20.7 PPG from the centre position. Manitoba, meanwhile, has a hot hand in Nicole Konieczny, who dropped 16 points on 7-for-17 shooting last time out against the Pandas.

Notes from the Range

• After what's become a record-setting career, we talked to women's volleyball libero Cassie Bujan about who's helped her over the years and how her confidence has grown.
• With track and field season getting into full swing, Bisons head coach Claude Berube breaks down the athletes to know. Manitoba hosts the U SPORTS Track & Field Championships from March 7-9.