WINNIPEG, MB - Any time you can notch a North American all-time record in sports, it's an outstanding achievement. Notching it at home, in front of fans, friends and family, though, makes it that much sweeter.

The Manitoba Bisons men's volleyball team played like they had that in mind on Saturday, October 18th, as they played for their coach and made short work of the University of Regina Cougars at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

Their straight sets win (25-17, 25-17, 25-18) gave Garth Pischke the 1,240th match win of his men's volleyball coaching career, a North American all-time record.

Pischke, Bison coach of 33 years, surpasses UCLA legend Al Scates, who finished a 50-year coaching career in 2012 with a mark of 1,239-290. With today's win, Pischke moves to 1,240-336 (.787).

"There's an emotional component to it. Winning at home in front of your family, it's great," said Pischke. "There's a lot of great memories, a lot of great players have played for me."

The Saturday win moves Manitoba to 3-1, while Regina falls to 0-2. Manitoba got a big night from outside hitter Devren Dear, who lead all players with 13 kills. Alex Strachan led all players with 11 digs.

Regina was led by Steve Carston with eight kills, while Brennan Goski chipped in six.

"It was really exciting for me, we worked on a couple things in practice and we really improved in those two areas," said Pischke. "It's a credit to them, being able to turn that into a game situation."

To start the afternoon, it was again the Bisons block neutralizing everything Regina tried to send over. Falconer also started sharp, with two of his team's first four points. An early lead translated into an easy win, as the Bisons took the first set 25-17.

The second started closer, as Carston started to deal out of the middle for the Cougars. However, Manitoba again bounced back - Dear's attack was undeniable on Saturday, and he pushed his team to the 25-17 set win.

In the third, Manitoba could smell history and jumped out to another early lead. Riding the strength of a few Rooney blocks, they sealed it 25-18.

The Bison men's volleyball team now head out on the road for the first time this season. They'll play in UBC Okanagan on Friday, September 24 at 8 p.m. PDT. Regina, meanwhile, heads home to play the University of Winnipeg on the same date at 8 p.m. CDT.

Written by: John Gaudes