WINNIPEG – Hitting a blistering .488 percentage as a team, the Trinity Western Spartans (8-0) completed a weekend sweep of the Manitoba Bisons (2-6) on Saturday evening at Investors Group Athletic Centre, finishing off back-to-back wins in straight sets (25-12, 25-12, 25-22).
The Spartans got an excellent all-around performance from Hillary Howe, who had 11 kills on just 17 attempts (.647) to go with three aces and seven digs. Trinity Western's efficiency didn't stop with Howe, though, as Mikaelyn Sych also had double-digit kills with ten at a .643 percentage.
Manitoba, who struggled with consistency in the first two sets before a valiant fight in the third, were led by first-year middle Jaidyn Spencer, who had a perfect five kills on five attempts. Laura Hill and Allison Alcock chipped in four kills apiece.
The Spartans jumped out extremely strong in the first set. Two kills from Howe and three from Ansah Odoom highlighted a 13-4 start, as the nation's No. 2 team was able to set up their attack with little resistance from the Bisons side, eventually winning 25-12.
Trinity Western would win the second set by the same count, this time thanks to an outstanding service run from Dora Komlodi — who stood behind the line and started ten straight point wins to take the Spartans lead from 11-9 to 21-9.
In the third, some substitutions paid off for the Bisons, who were able to set up their offence with more efficiency. Second-year libero Jordan Hamm had some great first touches, as the Bison were able to hit .265 and keep the set tied until 20-20. After that, the dominant players for the Spartans closed the door — Avery Heppell had a kill, Howe had two more, and they would finish with a 25-22 win.
Up next for the Spartans is a home series against the Saskatchewan Huskies next weekend. The Bisons compete in the 29th annual Duckworth Challenge, as they battle the Winnipeg Wesmen on Friday at the Duckworth Centre (U of Winnipeg campus) before playing at IGAC on Saturday.
