Cameron Doherty, Huskie Athletics

SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan Huskies men's volleyball team dominated the battle at the net en route to a 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-19) victory over the visiting Manitoba Bisons inside the PAC on Friday, Jan. 18.
 
"The result was good but there are always things to work on, no matter what the result is. Manitoba is a great team to play against, their energy and skill levels are both high and it's always a good battle," said Huskies head coach Nathan Bennett.
 
Saskatchewan put away .372 per cent of their attacks in the game, while limiting Manitoba to a hitting percentage of .057 and also out-blocking the visitors 16-5.
 
"That high hitting percentage is a benefit from the way CJ Gavlas moved the ball around, he spread the ball very effectively which opened up seams on their blocking," said Bennett. "Credit to the guys for putting the ball away when it was there."
 
The Huskies move to 8-7 with the victory and are now in sole possession of fifth place in the conference. Manitoba meanwhile is 6-9 and are currently holding onto the eighth and final playoff spot in Canada West.
 
Dylan Mortensen was on fire for Saskatchewan, as the reigning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year finished with 13 kills on 24 swings. Connor Murray and Daulton Sinoski followed up with eight and seven kills respectively while Gavlas had 33 assists and a pair of service aces.
 
Kevin Negus and Dustin Spiring led the way for the Bisons, combining for 17 of their team's 28 kills. Jack Mandryk had 25 assists in the game.
 
These same two teams will be back in action tomorrow night, with the second game of their weekend set scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m. inside the PAC.