Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The host Bobcats made quick work of the MacEwan Griffins on Friday night in Canada West men's volleyball action.

The set scores were 25-15, 25-15 and 25-22.

BU got off to a strong start in the first set going up 8-2. The Bobcats maintained their six-point lead at the technical timeout leading 16-10. The home side sealed up the opener with a 6-1 run in the late stages of the first.

In the second, the Bobcats built a comfortable cushion thanks to a 7-2 run. BU then finished the second set with a quick 4-1 burst of offence to push MacEwan to the brink.

BU took an early 7-3 advantage in the third set, but the Griffins gained ground and tied it 11-11. The third set was deadlocked at 21-21 before the Bobcats delivered down the stretch. BU scored three straight points to pull ahead for the final time at 24-21.

Elliott Viles was BU's top scorer with 10 kills. Seth Friesen added nine and Matt Powell provided eight for the Bobcats, who boosted their record to 13-and-6.

BU is in the running to host a first round playoff series and they can accomplish that with a top-four finish in the regular season standings.

Kai Hesthammer had nine kills in a losing effort for the Griffins, who slipped to 2-and-17.

The Bobcats continue their critical four-game homestand by meeting MacEwan in Saturday's rematch at the Healthy Living Centre.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)