The Bobcats earned a hard-fought 3-2 (25-16, 20-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-10) road victory Thursday night over the Winnipeg Wesmen to start a home-and-home series.
 
The two teams traded blows all night before the Bobcats put it away in the fifth set thanks to solid passing and keeping control of the match late.
 
Jens Watt had a team-high 19 kills in another start at left side as Brazilian import Joao Cunha started at libero.
 
Paycen Warkentin continued his impressive play at the net, contributing a match-high eight blocks.
 
Jake Fleming had a match-high 47 assists while Max Brook led the Bobcats with 11 digs.
 
The Wesmen were led by Daniel Theissen's double-double performance, which included 22 kills and 14 digs.
 
The win keeps the Bobcats close in the ultra competitive Canada West east division at 5-6, just one match back of the Wesmen at 6-5.
 
It also sets up a dynamite rematch between the two teams which goes Saturday at the HLC.
 
First serve is set for 6:45 pm.