WINNIPEG, MB - On short rest, the Manitoba Bisons women's volleyball team had a tough battle at hand against the University of Regina Cougars on Saturday, October 18th at the Investors Group Athletic Centre. Thanks to three strong finishes in their winning sets, though, they were able to win in four (25-15, 19-25, 25-19, 25-23).

The win moves Manitoba to 2-2, while Regina falls to 0-2. The Bisons were led again by co-captain Rachel Cockrell, who notched 25 of her team's 50 kills, dug out 16 balls and provided two service aces.

Regina got even contributions from Chelsea Ziolkowski and Tori Glynn, who had 13 kills in a losing effort. Michelle Sweeting added 12 kills of her own.

"We knew Regina would be much tougher tonight. Any time you can win one match in this league 3-0 [as we did Friday], it's a bonus," said Bisons head coach Ken Bentley. "So, tonight was a really good scrap. Regina's a good team and I'm proud of how we faced that challenge today."

To start, Manitoba picked up right where they left off on Friday night. Though Regina was able to get close in the middle, an eight-of-ten start for the Bisons and some strong net presence at the finish by Jordana Milne sealed the first set, 25-15.

In the second and third, both teams got key contributions from their freshmen hitters. In the second, Regina got big swings from Kristine Ward late in the set to support Sweeting's efforts, as they won 25-19. Manitoba answered right back, though, with a key attack from Lexi Janovcik earning the dangerous serve of Milne late in the set, getting Manitoba on their way to a 25-19 win.

The fourth set would be the best of the night, despite a strong start from Manitoba. With Brittany Habing on serve and Cockrell at the net, the Bisons jumped out to a 5-1 lead. Regina responded, though, with the best sets of the night for Sweeting and Glynn. Late, it was Cockrell going back and forth with the two Cougar power players, and Manitoba was able to just edge them out, 25-23, to seal the win.

The Bison women'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 6 p.m. PDT. Regina, meanwhile, heads home to play the University of Winnipeg on the same date at 6 p.m. CDT.

Written by: John Gaudes