HAMILTON, ON – Fourth-year Light Uchechukwu led both teams with 19 kills and two aces while adding seven digs in the first match of the Championship. The Manitoba Bisons defeated the Saint Mary’s Huskies 3-1 (25-16, 25-15, 24-26, 25-15) in their quarterfinal game on the first day of the 2024 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship in Burridge Gymnasium.
The No. 1 seeded Bisons were dominant in the opening two sets, but the Huskies responded, forcing a fourth set with a 26-24 Set 3 victory. Manitoba took Set 4 in convincing fashion – 25-15 – to secure their chance to compete for a medal.
Third-year Bison, Katreena Bentley, totaled 41 assists and 10 digs to propel her team to the victory. Emilia Mikanovich was the offensive leader for the Huskies, recording 13 kills in the quarterfinal contest. She also added a service ace.
Manitoba, the 2024 Canada West Champions, recorded a .230 hitting percentage in the match while holding Saint Mary’s to .098.
With the win, the Manitoba Bisons advance to the semifinals on Saturday March 16th at 6pm ET where they will face the winner of the Alberta Pandas vs Montréal Carabins match. The Saint Mary’s Huskies will move to the consolation bracket and play the loser of the Alberta and Montréal matchup.
Mikasa Players of the Game
- Saint Mary’s Huskies: #7 Olivia Bell
- Manitoba Bisons: #9 Light Uchechukwu
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