WINNIPEG – The University of Manitoba Bisons men's volleyball team dropped a straight-sets decision to the Alberta Golden Bears on Friday night, falling 25-23, 25-20, 25-15 at home.
The loss moved Manitoba to 2-3 on the Canada West season, while Alberta improved to 4-1.
The Bisons pushed the Golden Bears in a tightly contested opening set, holding leads as late as 20-19 and pulling within a point at 24-23 before Tyson DeZutter recorded the set-clinching kill for Alberta.
Benjamin Kuhner led Manitoba offensively with 12 kills on .286 hitting, adding a pair of late kills in the second set as the Bisons attempted to rally from a five-point deficit.
Alberta gradually pulled away in the middle frame behind the balanced attack of Dylan Martens, Owen Harris and Tyson DeZutter. The visitors hit .391 in the second set and used a 5-1 run midway through the frame to build separation en route to a 25-20 win and a two-set advantage.
The Golden Bears controlled the third set from the outset, opening an 11-5 lead and never allowing Manitoba closer than six points the rest of the way. Alberta closed the match on the strength of four service aces in the final set and a .500 attacking percentage.
Kuhner's 12 kills paced the Bisons, while libero
Mitchell Strilchuk recorded seven digs. Setter
Sammy Ludwig finished with 20 assists and five digs.
For Alberta, Dylan Martens led all players with 12 kills while hitting .500, and Owen Harris added seven kills on seven swings without an error for a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage. Setter Luke Weddell directed the offence with 29 assists as the Golden Bears outhit Manitoba .405 to .147.
As a team, Alberta recorded 38 kills and six service aces, while Manitoba finished with 26 kills and was held without an ace.
The two teams conclude their weekend series Saturday in Winnipeg.
