WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Wesmen (3-6) looked dominant at the Duckworth Centre on Friday night, handing the Manitoba Bisons (2-7) their third straight loss and tying up the Duckworth Challenge with a three-set victory (25-22, 25-14, 25-16).

A balanced attack led the Wesmen to victory, with five players recording at least six kills in the match — led by Taylor Boughton, who had ten on 26 attempts (.231). Emma Parker had eight kills, while Ashleigh Laube and Kalena Schulz chipped in seven a piece.

The two teams played relatively even in the first set, with the Bisons hitting .146 to the Wesmen's .136. Both teams had 14 kills, but Manitoba was unable to close out a 22-20 lead, giving up five straight points to Winnipeg.

"Winnipeg played a very good match, they played a great match," said Bisons head coach Ken Bentley. "After that first set, our compete level was kind of disappointing. I knew it would be a hard match, so full credit to Winnipeg — they played well."

In the second, Winnipeg jumped out to a 18-5 lead, putting distance between themselves and the Bisons. Schulz was critical during this stretch, recording three of her seven kills in the match. The Wesmen would go on to win the set 25-14.

The third started similarly, with Winnipeg taking an 11-4 advantage. Committing just two errors total in the set, the Wesmen held onto their lead and finished the match 25-16.

Individually, Kearley Abbott led all players in the match with 12 kills. Light Uchechukwu had eight kills.

The win ties the Duckworth Challenge at 2-2, as the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg conclude a five-part challenge in women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, and men's and women's volleyball.

The two teams play again tomorrow night, this time on Bisons territory. First serve at Investors Group Athletic Centre is 7:45 p.m.