Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The Winnipeg Wesmen were playoff road warriors this weekend.

The host Bobcats got behind the eight ball and Winnipeg prevailed in the third and deciding match of their quarter-final series in four sets to end Brandon's season.

The set scores were 25-22, 25-14, 11-25 and 25-21.

Winnipeg was up 16-13 at the first-set technical timeout and they maintained a comfortable cushion down the stretch. The Bobcats trailed 24-20 and countered with back-to-back points, but could not close the gap any further.

In the second set, the Wesmen had a 5-0 run to hold a 9-4 advantage. They continued to pile up more points and a 4-0 run had them holding a commanding 18-9 lead. Brandon had their backs against the wall after dropping the first two sets.

The Bobcats got their game going in the third. BU's offence caught fire with a massive 13-1 run and they forced a fourth set in fine fashion.

Brandon could not keep the momentum going in the fourth. Winnipeg stole it back with a 9-3 surge, which helped set the stage for their series clinching victory.

The Wesmen advance to the conference semifinals where they will meet the Trinity Western Spartans. In the other semifinal, the UBC Thunderbirds will take on the Alberta Golden Bears.

Adrian Dyck delivered a double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs for Winnipeg.

Meanwhile, Seth Friesen had a match-high 14 kills in a losing cause for the Bobcats.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)