BRANDON – The Brandon Bobcats came out swinging Friday night against the #2 nationally ranked Alberta Golden Bears and didn't look back, taking the match in straight sets Friday night 3-0 (25-23, 26-24, 25-18).

Both teams came out strong early, matching point for point until the Bobcats led 24-20. The Bears pushed back, but it was too little too late.

The second set saw Brandon lead by as much as three at 17-14, but once again Alberta showed their strength by batting back and forcing the Bobcats to go to extra points to win the set.

In the third, both teams fought for every point, until the Bobcats pulled away with a 19-15 lead and the Bears couldn't catch up. Sam Tuivai served four in a row to close out the match and the game 25-18.

Sam Tuivai was lethal for the Bobcats with 17 kills on just 30 swings, good enough for an impressive .480 attack percentage. Sebastien Steigmeier added 12 kills, eight digs, three blocks and a service ace.

Ryley Barnes led the Golden Bears with 17 kills and seven digs. Alex McMullin added eight kills and five digs.

Head coach Grant Wilson is pleased with how his team played under pressure.

"I really liked how we finished each set. Every set was close around 20 points and they made a bit of a push in each of those sets, but we seemed to make a push of our own and it was good resiliency among our guys to stay focused and finish it," says Wilson.

The Bobcats didn't let up, despite a strong effort from the Golden Bears.

"We came to play right from the first serve and we knew we had to because they're arguably the best team in the country. If you don't play your best you don't have a chance so I'm pleased with how our guys had that focus right from the first point and pushed right through," Wilson added.

The win moves Brandon just one game back of the top spot in the ultra-competitive Canada West conference at 17-4, which Alberta holds down at 18-3.
The two teams will meet again Saturday in the second half of the weekend series. First serve is scheduled for 6:45 pm.