WINNIPEG — Coming off a tough five-set loss on Friday, the Manitoba Bisons women’s volleyball team faced off against Canada West’s number two team, the Saskatchewan Huskies, on Saturday, Jan. 29 in the Investors Group Athletic Centre.
The first set turned out to be a tough one for both sides. It started with a tight point-for-point game until Avery Allard put up a big stuff block that would kick off a big push for the visiting team.
A third of the way through the set, the Bisons sent a deep serve to the Huskies. The Huskies just reached the ball, leading to a one-handed set and a massive spike deep into the right corner, where it would land on the Bisons’ court.
“Yesterday, they attacked very efficiently. They have a bit of a different offence than the other teams in our division. It took us a while to adjust to it,” said Mark Dodds, head coach for the Huskies.
The Huskies refused to let up the entire set. Winning long rallies and big blocks would lead the Huskies to take the first set, 25-13.
The second set would kick off with an intense, extended rally that would end with a solo block by Caet McCorkell, outside hitter for the Huskies.
The Bisons were able to reel the game back in, though, bringing the set to a tight 9-12. The Huskies put up a block with the play continuing. Ella Gray, left side for the Bisons, then put up a big attack which would tip over the blockers fingers and result in a one-point game. The Huskies would end up taking the second set of the match, though, 25-19.
The third set was a brutal one for the Bisons. They tried to keep up, but the Huskies only picked up the pace. In favour of the Huskies, the set ended 25-10, also finishing the match 3-0.
“It’s a tough league,” said Ken Bentley, head coach for the Bisons. “You can play well, like we did yesterday, and lose. But certainly, if you don’t play well, you aren’t going to win.”
The Huskies will next meet the Regina Cougars on Feb. 11 and 12 at the PAC.
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