Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The two-time defending U SPORTS national champions earned a weekend split against the host Bobcats following a four-set win on Saturday.
 
Trinity Western stormed out of the gate with a 7-1 run and looked strong from the get-go. The top-ranked Spartans continued their impressive play by leading the seventh-ranked Bobcats 16-6 at the technical timeout.
 
BU's 6-2 run in the second set helped set the stage for them to even the match. Trinity Western played catch-up for most of the set and inched closer at 23-21, but the Bobcats held down the fort.
 
The third set was tight from start to finish. The Bobcats and Spartans were tied 22-22, before Trinity Western won the final three points.
 
Trinity Western picked up right where they left off by stringing together six straight points to begin the fourth set. Brandon responded with 6-2 and 5-1 runs to close the gap, but it was not enough.
 
Eric Loeppky had a monster night for the top-ranked Spartans with 26 kills as Trinity Western improved to 5-and-1.
 
The Bobcats top scorer was Elliott Viles with 15 kills as BU saw their six-match winning streak come to an end.
 
Brandon hits the road for a double-header against the Regina Cougars on November 17-18. Meanwhile, Trinity Western welcomes the Mount Royal Cougars.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)