WVB: Wesmen fall short as Bisons set quick pace

WVB: Wesmen fall short as Bisons set quick pace

David Larkins, Wesmen Athletics

WINNIPEG -- In seeking revenge against the closest rival, Winnipeg Wesmen libero Madison Fyvie says the answer is simple.

The execution is what's a bit more challenging.

The Manitoba Bisons got 14 kills on 30 swings from left side Kearley Abbott and won the women's volleyball leg of the Duckworth Challenge 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-19) Thursday night at Duckworth Centre.

"I think we've got to serve tougher and pass better," the second-year defensive specialist said. "Those are your bread and butter. Serve tougher, get them out of system, and pass better and hopefully we can use that to our advantage and get a better attack going."

The two teams face each other again Saturday afternoon at U of M.

Fyvie, who finished with a match-high 12 digs, acknowledged the pace the Bisons set left the home team scrambling at times as the Wesmen found themselves playing from behind for most of the night.

VIDEO: Madison Fyvie talks adjustments after loss to Bisons

"They are pretty smart with their shots … and sometimes in long rallies we got a little distracted by everything and you start to stand up," Fyvie said. "We just need stay focused.

"I think we were digging quite a few (attacks) we just couldn't react fast enough to get there. I think our passing was better in previous games before this, but we just couldn't use it as well as we hoped."

Taylor Boughton was named the Wesmen player of the match after notching three kills on nine swings in relief of starting middle blocker Maria Colvin. Boughton also had two stuff blocks and a block assist.

Emma Parker led the Wesmen with seven kills and added 11 digs, while Kalena Schulz and Ashleigh Laube added five kills each.

Kearley Abbott hit .433 for the match and sister Josie Abbott added seven kills.

The Wesmen hit .035 for the match and the Bisons were .203.