WINNIPEG – The Mount Royal University Cougars spoiled the University of Manitoba Bisons' season opener in a back-and-forth five set match at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Saturday night.

The Cougars move to 2-1 after the match (29-31, 25-17, 26-24, 23-25, 15-12).

Fifth-year outside hitter Trent Mounter was near unstoppable for Mount Royal with a game-high 22 kills, plus seven digs and two aces.

"It took me a while to get going and sort out my play," said Mounter. "Full credit to 'Toba. They stuck with it the whole game and made a couple good charges."

The Bisons took a hard-fought first set in extra points thanks to right side Kevin Negus' five kills.

The Cougars answered back in the second, taking the set 25-17 after holding a lead throughout.

"Even though we lost it, we felt we had momentum after that first set and we built from it in the second," said Mounter.

The Bisons lost second-year left side Ben Carleton in the third set due to a lower body injury. Carleton walked off the court under his own power and did not return.

The third also needed extras, and this time the Cougars came out on top 26-24. Mount Royal hit a much improved .292 in the set, proving to be the difference.

Manitoba edged out Mount Royal 25-23 in the fourth after a strong push from left side Owen Schwartz, who had five kills, two digs, and a service ace in the set.

The Cougars overcame an early deficit in the fifth, taking the set 15-12.

The match was Manitoba head coach Garth Pischke's final season opener after 39 seasons.

"I had a good time looking at those alumni photos flipping on the screen," said Pischke. "It's going to be a challenge getting through the season without the emotions coming in."

Breaking up Mount Royal's extended service periods and pressuring the Cougars with better serving are Pischke's two keys for the Bisons in the finale of the two teams' weekend series tomorrow at 2 p.m. back at IGAC.