Langley, B.C. – The University of Manitoba Bisons were unable to earn a split of their opening Canada West road weekend, falling 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-23, 25-16) to the Trinity Western Spartans on Saturday afternoon at the Langley Events Centre.
After dropping their season opener to Trinity Western on Friday, the Bisons responded with a strong effort in Saturday's rematch, taking the second set and pushing the Spartans in a tightly contested third before the hosts secured the victory.
Manitoba bounced back after a difficult opening set with a resilient performance in the second. The Bisons built an early lead and held off a late Trinity Western rally, scoring the final two points of the set to even the match at one set apiece with a 25-23 win.
The third set proved to be the turning point. Manitoba erased a five-point deficit and pulled even late, but the Spartans were able to close out the set 25-23 to regain the momentum. Trinity Western carried that momentum into the fourth, opening an early advantage and pulling away for a 25-16 win to secure the match.
Lucy Jurgensen led the Bisons offensively with nine kills and 11 points while adding six digs.
Aviendah Plett recorded eight kills and hit .667, while setter
Julia Martens contributed eight kills, 29 assists and two blocks.
Bethany Carter added eight kills,
Jersey Hansen-Young had seven, and Selma Hodne chipped in three service aces and five digs.
Chelsea Siebenga paced Manitoba defensively with eight digs.
As a team, the Bisons recorded 43 kills, eight service aces and five blocks. Trinity Western was led by Maryn Boldon, who registered a match-high 19 kills, while Emma Graca added 11 kills on a .733 hitting percentage.
Manitoba returns home next weekend for its Canada West home opener, which it unveils its brand new court.
Tickets are available now.
