WINNIPEG, MB - After a disappointing pair of losses to open their season, the Manitoba Bisons women's volleyball team came out confident and on a mission on Friday, October 17th at the Investors Group Athletic Centre against the University of Regina.
Thanks to an outstanding match from co-captain Rachel Cockrell, Manitoba commanded the night, winning in straight sets (25-19, 25-22, 25-17).
The win moves Manitoba to 1-2. After a first-week bye, Regina is now 0-1.
Cockrell was outstanding on Friday night, with 16 of her team's 33 kills, six service aces and four digs. Cassie Bujan got her first start of the season at libero, and came away with a team-high 13 digs.
"It's funny, we sometimes take [Rachel] for granted. What she did tonight, she brings that every night," said Bisons head coach Ken Bentley. "But the whole group played really well tonight as well. They allowed Rachel to be great."
"The young girls were nerved up last weekend. It's a process that'll take some time, but they were more settled in their play. So I was pleased with the progress from the week… it showed tonight, it was nice."
Regina got 12 kills for Michelle Sweeting and eight from Tori Glynn in the losing effort.
The Bisons jumped out early on the reliable back of Cockrell. Receiving her serve, Jenna Krahn missed two bumps early to give Manitoba the lead. They never looked back, as Cockrell went on to slam five kills in the set for a 25-19 Bisons win.
Momentum faltered to start the second, as Regina took eight of the first ten points and looked in control. Slowly, though, with some confident plays from their rookies Kalena Schulz and Lexi Janovcik, the Bisons crawled back. The set was punctuated again by Cockrell, who rattled off seven straight points on serve before a final kill to win it 25-22.
The third set started as the most competitive of the night, but again Manitoba got separation late by feeding Cockrell and Schulz. The latter would notch a pair of kills and a block in key moments late, sealing the win for Manitoba after just 78 minutes on the court.
The Bisons women'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 1 p.m. CST.
Written by: John Gaudes