WVB: Cascades win battle of top-ranked teams, 3-1

WINNIPEG — Two of the conference’s best defensive teams went toe-to-toe on Friday night at Investors Group Athletic Centre. With playoff positioning on the line, it was the 15-6 Fraser Valley Cascades that came out on top, handing the 13-8 Manitoba Bisons their first loss at home 3-1 (21-25, 25-13, 25-17, 25-22). 
 
The two teams combined for 68 digs each, keeping countless rallies alive. Bisons libero Julia Arnold led all players with 25 digs, the third game in a row where she’s had at least 20. Four different Cascades had at least ten digs, led by Emily Matsui’s 15. 
 
The difference in the game came down to side outs, where UFV was a bit more consistent in key moments. Overall, UFV hit .279 while Manitoba hit .125.
 
“We had some chances, some looks. We just have to play a little bit better,” said Bisons head coach Ken Bentley. “We couldn’t get a bunch of points on them at a time. They were siding out pretty well, and I don’t think our side out game was as strong today. That was a big factor.”
 
The two teams combined for 33 digs in the first set, led by Arnold’s six and left side Andi Almonte’s five. Fraser Valley got five from Matsui.
 
The Cascades took an early 7-1 lead thanks to two service aces from veteran Gabrielle Attieh, however the Bisons stormed back with a textbook comeback.
 
Back to back service aces from left side Raya Surinx tied the game at 13, then the rookie gave Manitoba the lead on a pipe attack. The Herd didn’t trail the rest of the way, with Surinx ending the set with a kill from the right. Surinx’s two aces put her in a tie for second in the conference, with 41. 
 
The Cascades opened up a six-point lead in the second and didn’t trail the rest of the way. Service pressure and steady defensive play were key. Setter Cailin Bitter recorded two service aces, while Matsui added five more digs. 
 
The hosts got the score to within four, with Arnold and Surinx combining for a few impressive defensive plays, but it wasn’t enough to stop the pace of UFV, who were led by Gabrielle and Lauren Attieh’s 15 combined kills after two. 
 
Bitter (28 assists) continued to spread the ball well in the third for UFV. Six different players had at least four kills, as the Cascades opened up a six-point lead in the middle of the set, winning by five overall. The two teams continued to flash their defensive prowess, with 99 digs after three. 
 
Five errors in the first 13 points helped spot UFV a 9-4 lead. The Cascades continued to lead by four, until captain Light Uchechukwu went on a tear. A service ace and back to back kills helped the Herd to eventually tie the game at 13, forcing a UFV timeout. 
 
But every time Manitoba responded, Gabrielle Attieh had the answer. Whether it was a block, service pressure or kill, she was a thorn in Manitoba’s side all game, finishing with 17 kills, as the Cascades won in four. 
 
Both teams will be back for the rematch tomorrow at 7 pm.