WINNIPEG – Ella Filek made six saves, including a number of key stops late, to help the Mount Royal Cougars to a 1-0 win over the Manitoba Bisons on Sunday at East Turf. It was her second shutout in the last three games, as her efforts helped hold off a furious Bisons side that had 18 shots overall.

The win improves MRU's record to 5-0-1, while Manitoba fell to 0-5-1.

The two sides combined for four shots on goal and nine shots overall in the first half, with pressure in the area from each team.

Mount Royal had all three corners, including an opportunity that was set up in the 21^st minute by a run from Gabrielle Linford into the area, however Bisons defender Evelyn Lekivetz did well to deflect the ball out of play.

Taryn Cabak and Taylor Sousa both made runs down the flanks which created quality looks for the Herd as the first half progressed. Sousa led Manitoba with two shots, while Cabak's touch following a through ball from Bianca Cavalcanti went just wide.

The Cougars got on the board four minutes into the second half. Tamara Djurisic converted off a penalty kick, after Linford placed an accurate ball into the box, resulting in a Cougar's attacker being taken down. Djurisic made no mistake, netting the ball into the right corner for her third goal of the season/

Three minutes later, Manitoba had a great look to tie. Breyanna Johnston-Krulicki stole the ball away from just inside 30 yards, delivering a rocket to the top right corner, but Filek dove to rob her of a goal with a magnificent save, one of 23 on the year overall.

Manitoba kept their foot on the gas pedal, getting quality chances on back-to-back corners in the 52^nd taken by Lekivetz. The first was headed just wide by Cabak, and the second, another header this time by Bianca Cavalcanti, went off the post.

The post was once again MRU's friend in the 76^th and 77^th minutes, as Isabella Lone and Taleesa Minnaar both hit the iron, off a corner and a blast from just inside 30 yards.

Bianca Cavalcanti and Tabata Brave also had chances in the dying minutes. Cavalcanti's shot went just wide, while Bravo was robbed on a partial breakaway in extra time as Filek – MRU's Player of the Game – kept the clean sheet intact.