Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON, Man. – The No. 1 nationally ranked Bobcats continue to roll after picking up a straight sets win over provincial rival the Winnipeg Wesmen in the back half of a home-and-home series.

"Our resiliency has come out a lot," said Brandon co-captain Brady Nault. "When we are not playing our best, we still find a way to win points when we have too. When it comes down to the end of the sets, I like our chances."

BU built a 12-8 lead in the first and were up 16-15 at the technical timeout. The Wesmen scored four in a row after the break, but the Bobcats finished the opener with a 9-2 run.

Brandon's offence caught fire in the second and the 'Cats sat comfortably up 16-9 at the technical timeout. Winnipeg trimmed the deficit to three and fought off one set point, but could not get any closer. The Bobcats' attack percentage was a strong .355 in the middle frame.

Winnipeg responded with a quick start to the third set and held a 10-4 advantage. Brandon's ensuing 6-1 run helped them battle back and go out in front 16-15 at the break.  

It was 19-17 for the Bobcats late in the third, before the Wesmen scored three straight. The teams traded points with Winnipeg up 23-22, before BU grinded out the final three points.

Elliott Viles and Seth Friesen each had 13 kills to pace BU, while Robin Baghdady was next with eight kills and five blocks.

Ethan Duncan delivered 11 kills for the Wesmen while Adrian Dyck added 10 kills for the U-of-W.

The Canada West leading Bobcats have won 12 in a row and sit with an overall record of 16-and-2.

Meanwhile, Winnipeg has lost four straight and have a mark of 5-and-11.

The Bobcats hit the road to play the Thompson Rivers WolfPack this coming weekend, while the Wesmen meet cross-city foe the Manitoba Bisons.

(Photo Courtesy: Milana Paddock)