Langley, B.C. – The University of Manitoba Bisons put up a fight but ultimately fell 3-1 (25-20, 25-16, 17-25, 25-16) to the team ranked number one in the preseason coaches' poll, Trinity Western University, on Saturday night.
After opening the Canada West season with a five-set loss to the Spartans on Friday, the Bisons looked to salvage a split of the weekend series but were unable to overcome a strong Trinity Western attack.
The Spartans controlled the opening two sets before Manitoba responded with its strongest stretch of the match in the third. The Bisons raced to an early lead and never looked back, using balanced offensive production and solid serving to claim the set 25-17.
Trinity Western regained momentum in the fourth, building an early advantage and limiting Manitoba's offence en route to a 25-16 set win to secure the match.
Manitoba was led offensively by
Wizdom Smith and
John Ernst, who each recorded eight kills. Smith added eight digs and 9.5 points, while Ernst finished with nine points.
Kai Boyko contributed seven kills, four digs and two block assists, while
Jordon Heppner posted six kills while hitting .417.
Setter
Sammy Ludwig recorded 28 assists and 10 digs for a double-double, while libero
Mitchell Strilchuk added six digs.
The Bisons finished with 39 kills, five aces and 6.5 blocks, while Trinity Western posted 43 kills, nine aces and six blocks. The Spartans were led by Zach Hofer's match-high 14 kills, while Kaden Schmidt added 13.
Manitoba returns home Thursday for its Canada West home opener, unveiling their new court.
Tickets are available here.
