WINNIPEG – The University of Manitoba Bisons christened their new home court in style Thursday afternoon, earning a dominant 3-0 victory (25-10, 25-13, 25-13) over the University of Fraser Valley Cascades in their Canada West home opener.

Prior to first serve, the Bisons held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the first Canada West competition on the newly installed court. Women's volleyball assistant coach Julie Trommel, a member of Manitoba's 2001 national championship team that played shortly after the pervious court was installed, cut the ribbon alongside current team captains Sammy Ludwig, Aviendah Plett and Chelsea Siebenga, while head coaches Ken Bentley and Arnd Ludwig held the ribbon. It was a complete showing of legacy tied to a bold new future for the Manitoba Bisons. 

After opening the season with a pair of road losses at Trinity Western last weekend, including a four-set defeat on Saturday, the Bisons responded with their most complete performance of the young season. Manitoba never trailed in the opening set and hit an efficient .722, racing to a 25-10 win before controlling the second and third sets to complete the sweep.

The Bisons finished the match with a .467 attacking percentage compared to Fraser Valley's -.015 mark, recording 33 kills against just five attacking errors. Manitoba also held advantages in aces (6-0) and blocks (7-2.5).

Benjamin Kuhner led the offence with nine kills, two service aces and 12 points while hitting .471. Kai Boyko added eight kills, an ace and three total blocks, while Wizdom Smith recorded seven kills, three service aces and 10.5 points.

Jordon Heppner was highly efficient in limited action, posting five kills on six attacks for an .833 hitting percentage while adding two block assists. Setter Sammy Ludwig directed the attack with 22 assists and five digs, and libero Mitchell Strilchuk contributed a team-high eight digs.

The team is back in action Friday night at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available here.