WINNIPEG -- The Manitoba Bisons opened the first leg of the Duckworth Challenge in style, shutting out cross-town rival Winnipeg 6-0 on Saturday afternoon. The victory earned the Herd a sweep of Winnipeg after a 3-0 win on Thursday. The volleyball and basketball portions of the Duckworth Challenge will take place later in the season.
Bianca Cavalcanti was the catalyst on offence for Manitoba, scoring three goals on five shots. She opened the scoring in the tenth minute, and added two more in the 22nd and 73rd. Cavalcanti nearly had four after a shot that just barely went over the net in the 20th minute, and she also added an assist on
Janelle Chomini's first-career U SPORTS goal.
With nine goals on the year, Cavalcanti is now one shy of tying the program record for most in a season, held by Karli Colpitts since 2007. Her 18 career goals are also tied for fourth all-time with Colpitts, and she is one goal shy of tying Bruna Mavignier for third. Desiree Scott is second, with 23 goals between 2006-09, and her teammate during that time, Caley Miskimmin, holds the record with 28 goals.
Manitoba's other two goals came from captain
Jessica Tsai, along with wing back
Bianca Bucci, her first of the year.
The Herd dictated play in the first half, and finished when given the opportunity. They out-shot the Wesmen 9-2 in the first 45 and had 15 shots overall. Winnipeg had seven, with
Karina Bagi making five saves for her second shut out in as many games, and third of the season.
With the sweep, Manitoba improves to 5-6-1 on the year and secure a playoff spot. They'll head to Alberta this week for a massive weekend set. First, they'll face winless Lethbridge followed by a huge showdown against Mount Royal. The game against the Cougars (who also have 16 points) will decide who finishes fourth in the standings, and earns the right to host the following week.
