WINNIPEG, MB - With a combination of strength at the net and opportunistic volleyball, the Manitoba Bisons men's volleyball trounced the University of Regina Cougars at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Friday, October 17th, winning in straight sets (26-24, 25-20, 25-22).

The win moves Manitoba to 2-1 while Regina drops their opener after a first week bye, falling to 0-1.

"I thought our blocking was good, I didn't think we got as many digs as I like to see from us but from a defensive standpoint our blocking did really well," said Bisons head coach Garth Pischke. "On the other side of the ball, our serve reception was much better too."

The Manitoba win came with some history for Pischke as well, who is now tied for the all-time North American coaching win match record for men's volleyball. He is now at 1,239 wins and ties the legendary coach at UCLA, Al Scrates, who completed a 50-year coaching career in 2012. Pischke can claim the record as soon as Saturday afternoon.

On this night, the Bisons got a balanced attack from Adam DeJonckheere, who had 11 kills, and Kevin Falconer, who had 10. Ken Rooney had influence as well, leading the team with four blocks.

Regina played tough, and Steve Carston was especially dangerous, with a team-leading 10 kills in a losing cause. Jacques Bourgeaud was the only player on both sides to get to double digits in digs, with 10.

A tight first set put the bar high for the evening, as the teams stayed within two points of each other right down the wire. It was the Cougars who looked stronger up front at times, but it was Bisons Josh Crellin and Ken Rooney coming through in the clutch, sealing the 26-24 win with blocks on two of the last three Manitoba points.

The Bisons had it a bit easier in the second and third thanks to the strong hands of Rooney and Adam DeJonckheere at the net. Able to establish the block again, a 12-5 start in the second was the difference, as Manitoba ended up winning 25-20. In the third, it was Rooney again acting as the closer, getting the winning block to seal it 25-22.

The Bisons men's volleyball team complete a weekend back-to-back against the University of Regina tomorrow, Saturday, October 18th, at Investors Group Athletic Centre. First serve is at 3 p.m. CST.

Written by: John Gaudes