Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The Bobcat men's volleyball team completed a season-opening weekend sweep of the visiting Saskatchewan Huskies on Saturday night at the Healthy Living Centre.

Seth Friesen and James Weir both provided nine kills each as the Bobcats beat the Huskies in straight sets (25-16, 25-17, 25-19).

"We are focused on climbing towards March and being at the national championship and playing our best when it matters most," said Friesen. "We could not be happier with how we started the season, but we know we have things to clean up."

The Bobcats and Huskies traded momentum swings to start the match before BU took control late. A 6-2 run followed by a 4-1 offensive surge allowed Brandon to take the first set.

Brandon's win in the second set was built on their brilliant .583 hitting percentage. The Bobcats strung together four straight points to go up 24-16 and put the set out of reach.

In the third, two service aces by Robin Baghdady allowed the Bobcats to chalk up six straight points and go out in front 8-3. BU went into the technical timeout on a 6-1 run en route to making quick work of Saskatchewan.

Dylan Mortensen had nine kills to lead the Huskies on offence. 

Saskatchewan goes into a bye week at 0-2 with their next action on the road against the MacEwan Griffins on November 2. The Huskies' home opener is November 9 against the Calgary Dinos.

"We just need to work on our execution. Brandon is a strong team and it is good to see some of the top teams early so we can shape the rest of our season," said Mortensen. "The most valuable lesson we learned from the opening weekend is we cannot let a few runs get us down. We need to figure out how to break up serving runs and get some sideouts."

The Bobcats are also on a bye week from Canada West competition. BU will put their 2-0 record on the line when they welcome the defending U SPORTS national champions, the UBC Thunderbirds on November 2.

(Photo courtesy Milana Paddock)