Box Score WINNIPEG – A close back-and-forth battle for ball possession would be decided by an early goal in the second half, as the MacEwan Griffins edged out the Manitoba Bisons 2-1 at IG Field early Sunday afternoon. 
 
MacEwan improved their record to a perfect 4-0, while Manitoba fell to 1-3 early in the season. 
 
Manitoba would be led by forward Nicole Davis, as she left her defenders in shambles with some powerful shots and footwork and secured the Bisons' only goal of the match. 
 
MacEwan was led by forward Grace Mwasalla, who scored the game winner and also assisted on an early equalizer in the first.  
 
Manitoba wasted no time getting on the board, with Davis extending past two defenders and punching one home over the keeper in the 17^th minute – marking her first goal of the 23'-24' season and Manitoba's first shot of the match. 

The goal was Davis' 14th of her Bisons career, which puts her in a tied for seventh in program history with Selina Speranza. Jessica Tsai assisted the goal on a beautiful header, for  the 22nd of her career. She's just four assists shy of tying Desiree Scott for the program record. 

GOAL! Manitoba strikes first as Nicole Davis beats two defenders on a great header from Jessica Tsai! She moves into a tie for seventh in program history with her 14th career goal! #HornsUp pic.twitter.com/Q9CKSTd6uK

— Manitoba Bisons ?? (@umbisons) September 3, 2023

 
MacEwan's Brenna Paquin would respond shortly after in the 41^st minute, getting up close and personal in the box and sneaking one in lower deck off the smooth assist by Mwasalla from the right corner.
 
Both teams would battle relentlessly for possession, going into halftime tied up 1-1. 
 
The Griffins would come out of the half energized, as Mwasalla lobbed the ball past the keeper off a crafty through ball by Alyx Henderson – securing them the lead in the 61^st minute. 
 
Manitoba had ample chances to respond, most notably a winding shot by Davis in the 65^thminute that was just hairs above the crossbar. 
 
Edmonton would apply relentless pressure to the Bisons throughout the second half, protecting the lead right up until the final whistle. 
 
Manitoba will hit the road as they gear up for their next game against Saskatchewan on September 9^th.