Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The Trinity Western Spartans emerged with a hard-fought five-set win over the host Bobcats on Saturday night in Canada West women's volleyball action.
 
An early 8-1 surge saw the Spartans jump out to a 12-7 lead in the first set. The Bobcats had a momentum burst of their own with a late 11-3 run to grab a 22-21 advantage. BU mounted a furious comeback by scoring eight straight points, including a trio of service aces by Michelle Egger to take the opener.
 
Trinity Western's 6-2 run helped put them in prime position to tie the match. They followed that by winning six of the final seven points of the second set.
 
In the third, the Spartans had a 5-1 run to put them in the drivers seat at 22-14. The Bobcats countered with four straight points to trim the gap to 22-18, but that is as close as they would get.
 
BU started the fourth set strong with seven straight points. The Bobcats grabbed a 10-point advantage at 17-7 en route to forcing a fifth set.
 
The final stage saw both teams exchange 3-0 runs to make it 8-8 once the dusted settled. Trinity Western's mini 4-1 run to follow was good enough for them to complete the weekend sweep.
 
Hilary Howe had 16 kills for the Spartans, who sit at the .500 mark with a record of 3-and-3.
 
Nikala Majewski had a double-double with 20 kills and 17 digs for the Bobcats, who fell to 5-and-3 with the loss.
 
Trinity Western returns to home floor next weekend when they welcome the Mount Royal Cougars on November 17-18. Meanwhile, BU hits the road to meet the Regina Cougars.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)