Wesmen sweep Bisons in volleyball portion of the Duckworth Challenge

The Winnipeg Wesmen took a 2-1 lead in the 2022-23 edition of the Duckworth Challenge, sweeping Manitoba in volleyball by scores of 3-1. Tomorrow’s women’s and men’s basketball games, at 6 and 8 pm respectively at Investors Group Athletic Centre, will close out the challenge. 

On the women’s side, the No. 10 nationally ranked Bisons had their six-game win streak snapped, but are still in contention for a top four playoff spot, at 12-7. On the men’s side, the Herd fell to 7-12, but are just two points out of a playoff spot. 

Raya Surinx had 11 kills, four service aces and 11 digs for the women. She scored the game-sealing point in the third with Manitoba down 2-0, drilling a line shot to keep the match going. Light Uchechukwu (five kills, two service aces) and Eve Catojo (six kills, two assisted blocks) also took the game over for periods of time, and Manitoba dug the ball with intensity, led by Julia Arnold’s 20, however a .113 hitting percentage and strong service pressure from the opposition did the trick. 

On the men’s side, Eric Ogaranko, Rowan Krahn and Spencer Grahame combined for 23 kills. Four of Krahn’s kills came in the third set with the Bisons trailing 2-0. He had ten total attacks, placing the bell tremendously from the left side. Fellow freshman Harrison Ens added two service aces and was a force in the middle. 

Both teams play against Saturday at Manitoba, with the first game starting at 1 pm.