Wesmen, Bisons drop quarterfinal openers

A HOT start for the Winnipeg Wesmen gave way to the more dominant team.

The Wesmen came out swinging early in the first match of the Canada West women’s volleyball quarterfinals, but ultimately couldn’t stand against a tough test for a full match, as they fell 3-1 (25-23; 14-25; 17-25; 11-25) to the Alberta Pandas in Edmonton on Thursday.

Winnipeg will try to keep its season alive when match 2 of the best-of-three series goes today (7 p.m. CT).

It will once again be a difficult task to take down the top-ranked program in the country.

The Pandas controlled the net on this night, recording 55 kills to the Wesmen’s 33, and 17 blocks to nine.

Wesmen outside hitter Brooke Duncalfe, named a second-team conference all-star earlier this week, led the visitors with nine kills, while Ella Werbiski had eight kills and Megan Kendziora provided six.

The Pandas were led by Abby Guezen, a first-team conference all-star, who had 15 kills and a game-high 19 digs. Laila Johnston supplied 13, and Ronnie Dickson buried 11 more for the hosts.

Elsewhere in women’s quarterfinal action, the Manitoba Bisons fell 3-2 (22-25; 25-13; 16-25; 25-20; 8-15) in a thrilling bout against Thompson Rivers in Kamloops, B.C.

It figured to be an entertaining match, as the reigning nationals champion Bisons, ranked No. 10 in the country, and the No. 6 Wolfpack tied in the regular season standings at 14-6.

Bisons first-team all-star Raya Surinx led all players with 17 kills and was a difference maker from the service line, registering three service aces. Aviendah Plett had 11 kills in a strong supporting role performance, while Andi Almonte and first-team all-star Eve Catojo each had 10.

First-year setter Julia Martens, an all-rookie team nod, was outstanding in her playoff debut, registering a game-high 45 assists and 11 digs.

The Wolfpack were a balanced attack. Keira Gent and Maria Dancheva supplied 13 kills each, while Hail Ward had 11 kills.

Game 2 goes tonight at 8 p.m. CT.

At the time of writing, the Winnipeg Wesmen men’s squad was facing the No. 5 Alberta Golden Bears in the opener of their quarterfinal in Edmonton.

The Wesmen defeated the Golden Bears on home court in last season’s Canada West championship.

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