WINNIPEG – Despite an excellent effort in a back-and-forth third set, the Manitoba Bisons (3-4) couldn't stop a late flurry of points from their arch-rivals — as the Winnipeg Wesmen (3-6) finished off a straight sets win and a Duckworth Challenge victory at the David F. Anderson Gymnasium on Friday night (25-20, 25-20, 29-27).
With wins in women's basketball, women's volleyball, and men's volleyball, Winnipeg retains the Duckworth Challenge trophy for the third straight year. The challenge is a five-part series played by the two post-secondary schools in Winnipeg, now in its 29th year.
The Wesmen looked cool and confident in their own end on Friday, hitting a pristine .315 percentage to Manitoba's .115 and winning the dig battle 39-29. Leading the way individually was an outstanding effort from Daniel Thiessen, who recorded a team-high 12 kills on 25 attempts (.360), adding an ace, three blocks, and 11 digs.
"It was very obvious in my mind, Winnipeg's defence was very good tonight," said Bisons head coach Garth Pischke, who was honoured by the University of Winnipeg before the match for his outstanding volleyball career in Manitoba as a coach and player.
"They kept a lot of rallies going. Every one of their guys contributed in the back row and they dug a lot of balls. That kept putting more pressure on us to side out and for our hitters to score and that gave them the advantage."
Manitoba was led by fifth-year Kevin Negus, who was served early and often in this one — recording 14 kills on 43 attempts, adding two service aces and a dig. Zach Janzen had eight kills in support on an efficient .400 percentage.
The two teams play again tomorrow night at Investors Group Athletic Centre, with first serve at 6 p.m.
