WINNIPEG - In the first match of a vital home and home series, the Brandon University Bobcats gained the upper hand. The visiting Bobcats defeated the Winnipeg Wesmen 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 27-25, 25-22) Thursday evening at the Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium in Winnipeg.

Brandon (8-9) with the victory extends their winning streak to five matches. Winnipeg with the loss drops to 6-11 in the Canada West Women's Volleyball Conference standings.

Fifth year left side Shanlee McLennan led the Bobcatys with a match high 16 kills and 20 defensive digs. Third year middle Breanne Sytnyk added 14 kills and three service aces. Gillian Leech and Courtney Roberts each added 10 kills.

Fifth year Tia Boroski led the Wesmen with 14 kills while adding 15 digs. Fourth year left side Ozana Nikolic finished with 11 kills. Libero Sonia Rossy led the team with 17 digs. Mackenzie Jeffrey added six blocks.

The Provincial rivals were all even to start the match. The teams exchanged points to 11-11 early on until Winnipeg found some breathing room thanks to a 5-1 run to take a 16-12 lead at the technical timeout. The hometown Wesmen carried their momentum into the closing moments and eventually won the first set 25-20.

Brandon got back on even terms in the second set. The Bobcats jumped out to an early 16-`12 lead and never looked back as they evened the match with a 25-20 set two victory.

The pivotal third set was a battle from the get go. The teams exchanged points to 21-21 late in the set. Winnipeg thanks to back to back blocks by Mackenzie Jeffrey and Jayme Menzies pushed the score to 25-24. Brandon regrouped and closed out the set scoring three consecutive points to win the set 27-25.

The Bobcats continued to put the pressure on the Wesmen in the fourth set, jumping out to a 16-10 lead at the technical break. Brandon was up comfortably at 21-15 when a 5-0 run by Winnipeg cut the lead to 21-20. A service ace by Nikolic tied the score at 22-22, but Brandon closed out the match taking advantage of three Winnipeg errors to win the final set 25-22.

The two teams will close out the home and home series on Saturday night in Brandon. Match time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.