The win gives Brandon four straight after dropping the season-opener and now sits atop the Canada West east division at 4-1.
The Bisons made a push in the third set, but the Bobcats answered right back in the fourth to win the frame and the match convincingly.
Manitoba struggled on offence, hitting just .102 as a team. The Bobcats didn’t hit the most efficiently, hitting .239, but it was timely points that seemed to make the biggest difference.
Third-year outside Max Brook sealed it with an ace on match point.
“After that third set we just had to bounce back. We knew what we needed to do. We were being the better serving and passing team all night, so I think we knew we just needed to bear down and come out with the win,” said Brook.
After joining the Bobcats in 2018, Rylan Metcalf made his first Canada West start and make an immediate impact. The Carman, Man. product made a huge solo block on set point in the first. He also ended the second set with a massive kill.
“It felt really good to be out there with my closest friends and it was awesome. I’ll remember it,” said Metcalf. “I just know that I’m capable to do it and always ready to go.”
While Metcalf was stoic after the match, his team mates took a moment to celebrate him.
“Having him out there is a huge impact for us. He just brings that aspect of fun and enjoying the game,” Brook added.
Brook finished with 10 kills and 10 digs while Joao Cunha had a match-high 18 kills. Libero Jens Watt had a match-high 16 digs while Jake Fleming finished with 43 assists, also a match-high.
The Bisons were led by Owen Schwartz’s team-high 12 kills while Ben Carleton finished with 11.
The two teams meet again Saturday night in Brandon. First serve is set for 5:45 pm.