BRANDON, Man. – The Brandon Bobcats are hoping to quickly forget January and move into February and beyond with a new outlook after picking up the team's first conference win of 2020.
The Bobcats beat the Manitoba Bisons in straight sets 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-20) to snap a six-match losing streak on Friday night.
After starting the conference season 11-1, the new year has not been kind since key injuries sidelined key players. Friday's contest was the first time the Bobcats saw their regular starters, and the scoreboard reflected that.
Making his first appearance on home court in 10 weeks,
Seth Friesen's return opened opportunities for fellow outside attackers
Robin Baghdady and
Elliott Viles.
Friesen's impact was felt immediately and his importance was echoed by his teammates.
"When you are missing someone that is such a big part of your team, it is a strain on your team and your emotions, but we did a really good job of just staying together and trusting each other that not matter who is out there that we can compete and win games," said Elliot Viles following the match.
Baghdady had a match-high 17 kills while Viles wasn't far behind with 12. Friesen finished with eight.
The Bisons struggled on serve all night, hitting just one ace to 12 service errors. At the net wasn't much different either as Brandon nearly doubled Manitoba on blocks 17 to nine.
Kevin Negus led the Bisons with seven kills while Owen Schwartz had a match-high eight digs.
The win moves Brandon's record to 12-7 in conference play while Manitoba falls to 7-12.
The win also moves Brandon one step closer to locking up fourth in the conference standings, meaning a first-round playoff series at home would be guaranteed.
Meanwhile the loss means Manitoba has a much tougher road to qualify for the chance to play for the conference title, as the Herd currently sits outside the playoff picture looking in. There's consolation in the fact the team has booked a berth at nationals in March as the host team.
The rematch between the provincial rivals goes Saturday back at the HLC with first serve scheduled for 6:45 p.m.
