BRANDON – The #8 nationally ranked Brandon Bobcats went to five-sets for the tenth time this season, and picked up a huge win in the process over the #2 Alberta Pandas 3-2 (25-18, 22-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13).
The Bobcats took control of the first set, earning as much as a six point lead at 18-12, and finished the set 25-18 with a kill from Mary Thomson. The second set saw the Pandas bounce back early, going on a 5-1 run to open the frame. Brandon battled back to 8-9, but couldn't hold off the strong Alberta attack, losing the set 22-25.
Brandon demonstrated their mental tenacity in the third set, clawing their way back from at 5-12 deficit. Tori Dakin served six in a row to see the Bobcats lead the Pandas at 21-19. The Bobcats held onto their lead and finished off the third set 25-23.
The fourth set was all Pandas, but the Bobcats weren't finished. Despite opening the final frame on a 0-4 run, the Bobcats were able to tie things up at 12 with four consecutive serves from Mary Thomson. Fifth-years Meaghan Robertson and Tori Dakin closed out the set with a huge block, winning the set and the match.
Dakin had a big night for the Bobcats earning a double-double with 16 kills, 19 digs, six blocks, and two services aces. Shanlee McLennan added 16 kills, eight digs, and two blocks. Mary Thomson put up an impressive 45 assists, 18 digs and two service aces.
Meg Casault led the Panda attack with a double-double, notching 25 kills, 16 digs, and one service ace. Josephine Doerfler added 18 kills and eight digs.
Though the match went to five sets head coach Lee Carter is happy with how his team battled through the pressure.
"Every match that we've played that's gone to five sets we've been able to step up and play very tough. The girls have been good at understanding how to step up and play when the game is on the line. Hopefully we can get a few more done earlier, but at this time in the year a win is a win," says Carter
Carter is impressed with the caliber of game his team played against one of the top-ranked teams in the nation.
"It's a good team win. It also demonstrated what we can do as a team collectively. Having been down in a few of the sets, we focused on serving tough, taking a player out, and then capitalizing on our block assignments. It showed that when we play our way we can play a quality game," added Carter.
The win brings the Bobcats record to 13-8, while the Pandas sit at 16-5.
Both teams will face off again Saturday night in Brandon at the Health Living Centre. The first serve will take place at 5pm.