WINNIPEG – The Calgary Dinos (4-10) completed a weekend sweep of the Manitoba Bisons (2-12) on Saturday night at Investors Group Athletic Centre, winning 3-1 (25-15, 22-25, 25-19, 25-15) on the strength of 11 service aces.
Overall on the weekend, the Dinos had 26 aces while also hitting 24 percent. Veteran middle Beth Vinnell led the way with ten kills and just three errors, as well as two service aces and five assisted blocks. The Bisons were paced by left side Kearley Abbott's 13 kills and 35 percent attacking efficiency, along with middle Jaidyn Spencer's eight kills and 36 percent efficiency.
"We actually talked a lot about doing a good job on the service line and putting pressure on Manitoba, with our serve," Dinos head coach Natalie Gurnsey said postgame.
"It was definitely an emphasis for us coming in this weekend and I think we did a great job executing."
The Bisons took a 7-6 lead early in the first set on the strength of three kills from Abbott, however a few costly errors kept Calgary in the game. The Dinos eventually took a 16-12 lead into the technical and didn't relinquish momentum en route to a ten-point win.
Serve-receive played a major early on, as Calgary recorded five aces while also posting just one attack error.
Manitoba fought back from four points down on multiple occasions in the second set and had nine assisted blocks, but couldn't complete the comeback. A total of eight errors played a role, including one with the game tied at 20.
Right side Laura Hill displayed her versatility with two kills, two digs and three assisted blocks, however the combination of Kenzie Vaandering and Trinity Solecki was just as strong for the Dinos, with seven combined kills. Calgary also got ten assisted blocks, two of which came from Vinnell.
Manitoba took a 16-8 lead into the technical timeout of the third set and held on late for a six-point win, thanks in large part to 14 digs.
Abbott generated early momentum with three quick kills, while middles Allison Alcock and Spencer were strong at the net with three kills and an assisted block. Spencer also recorded two service aces.
The Dinos continued to get an inspired performance from Vinnell, who had two more assisted blocks and five kills.
Calgary controlled the pace of play in the fourth set, winning by ten. A Vinnell service ace gave every U of C starter at least one in the matchup, while Vaandering added three kills.
Next up for Manitoba is a road matchup against Thompson Rivers, while Calgary will be on the bye.
