The defending U SPORTS champions delivered two more instant classics to open the 2025-26 season last weekend against UBC, and they'll keep on trucking this weekend at home versus Calgary. Both teams enter play at 1-1. 

Every set the Herd played in against the Thunderbirds went into the 20s, including Saturday's two-and-a-half hour rematch, won 3-2 by Manitoba. That contest, as well as last Friday's offered a glimpse into Manitoba's well balanced play in all six positions. 

Five different Bisons enter this weekend with double digit digs, paced by libero Chelsea Siebenga's 33, with a career-high 19 coming in the 3-2 victory. Siebenga has made the move from a hitters position to a defensive specialist, and is as vocal as she always has been. 

"Chelsea's a big personality," noted head coach Ken Bentley. "She just brings everybody along for the ride. She empowers people and plays fearlessly as a libero, which I knew that she would."

On the attack, five different Bisons recorded at least five kills in the opening weekend of play, led by 36 from Raya Surinx, who went over 1,000 in her regular season career with the Herd, at 1,017. She was just as valuable on defence, with 23 digs, second on the Herd. 

"It's not just about her hitting," added Bentley. "That kid is gritty in the back court. She defends. That's what I always think about Raya. She's doing the grunt work too."

Overall, five different Bisons enter week two against Calgary with over 500 career kills, while Eve Catojo and Aviendah Plett combined for 24 total blocks against UBC. Catojo made history in Sunday's contest with ten assisted blocks, and the Bisons are fourth in the category, with 24 overall.