Ryan Stelter, Bison Sports
WINNIPEG – The University of Manitoba Bisons left it to the final day, but clinched a Canada West men's volleyball playoff spot with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-20) win against the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat on Sat., Feb. 17 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.
With the win the Bisons ended the season on a four-game win streak and moved their record to 11-13, securing a spot in the Canada West playoffs. UBCO finished their year on a 14-game losing streak and with a record of 5-19.
"The way we played the last two weeks of the season is really gratifying to see us play some of our best volleyball this time of the year," said Bison head coach Garth Pischke.
"I'm excited for what the next round holds for us, we earned our way in, we had to do it and that's what makes it more gratifying."
The first set was close to start off, with neither team able to grab a significant lead. Powerful kills were pounding the court of IGAC on both sides. Lars Bornemann had six kills in the first set for UBCO.
Manitoba finally grabbed the lead at the technical timeout after some key kills from Scott Vercaigne, he finished the set with seven. Manitoba eventually won 25-21 and with that set victory, secured the final playoff spot in the Canada West.
UBCO made some personnel changes in the second set, but the Bisons were able to continue their barrage. Bison setter Jack Mandryk got Manitoba the 16-11 lead with a cheeky tip to an open corner and a service ace. Dustin Spiring made an incredible play and used his toe to keep the ball alive to give Manitoba a 20-12 lead. The Bisons took the second set 25-13.
The third set was much closer all the way through, but the Bisons took the set and the match 25-20. Vercaigne, playing in his last game at home as a Bison was on fire again in the third set, powering kills down the line.
"I'm feeling really good," Vercaigne said. "We made playoffs tonight and we got a good spot, looking to travel to B.C. and we're playing our best volleyball right now so we're excited."
Adam DeJonckheere, also playing in his last home game as a Bison was not to be outdone, smacking home 11 kills on the night, including the last one to win the match.
Manitoba will be heading to British Columbia for the first round of the playoffs on Feb. 22-25 against either the UBC Thunderbirds or the Trinity Western Spartans.
Bison notes: Fifth year players Adam DeJonckheere and Scott Vercaigne were honoured after the game as they were playing in their last home game in a Bison uniform.
Kill leaders:
MAN: Scott Vercaigne (19)
UBCO: Lars Bornemann (14)
Dig leaders:
MAN: Jack Mandryk (10)
UBCO: Lucas Robertson (6)
Block leaders:
MAN: Brendan Warren (4)
UBCO: Joshua Harvey (2)