Amber Doyle, Bison Sports

WINNIPEG – Right-side Kearley Abbott was a force to be reckoned in the University of Manitoba Bisons' 3-0 set win (25-23, 26-24, 25-16) over the MacEwan University Griffins in women's volleyball at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Friday, November 17. 

"It feels really good to win, especially at home with the crowd behind you," said Abbott. "It's great to have the fan's energy, but the energy on the court made the difference for me."

Abbott, a second-year, used a variety of tips, rolls and swings to lead the Herd with a total 16 kills, and a hitting efficiency of .286. 

Meanwhile, Kearley's twin sister Josie Abbott added seven kills from the left side. 

On the other side of the net, Griffins left-side Cassidy Kinsella posted 10 kills, and Lauren Holmes added another seven. 

After narrowly winning in the first set 25-23, the Herd trailed most of the second. A timely crosscourt kill by fourth-year Tori Studler, followed up by block by fifth-year middle Emily Erickson, allowed the Bisons to come from behind to take the set 26-24. 

The hosts came into the third set with the momentum on their side, taking it 25-16. 

The Bisons are looking for their first sweep at home, and have a 3-4 record after Friday's game. The Griffins are still looking for their first win of the season, sitting 0-7. 

The Herd hadn't won a game in straight sets since their home-opener against the Brandon University Bobcats on Oct. 20.

Last weekend (Nov. 10-11), the Bisons split against the University of Alberta Pandas in Edmonton, while the Griffins took a lone set off the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat in back-to-back losses at home. 

Both teams play again on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 6:45 p.m. CT.