BRANDON, MB – The defending national champion Brandon University Bobcats Men's Volleyball team put on a spectacular display of resilience and talent this weekend, closing out the round-robin portion of their annual pre-season tournament with a perfect 3-0 record and punching their ticket to Sunday's championship final.

Returning to the Healthy Living Centre court, the Bobcats faced immediate challenges from a field that included the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the University of Winnipeg Wesmen—two familiar rivals who shared the court with the Bobcats at last season's U SPORTS National Championship. The atmosphere was charged, and the Bobcats proved once again that their championship pedigree is firmly intact.

The team opened the weekend with a gritty 3-1 victory over the Saskatchewan Huskies, battling through a few marathon points and taking a critical third set by a tight margin (29-27) that swung the momentum permanently in their favour. 

Their second match saw the Bobcats deliver a dominant performance against the Winnipeg Wesmen, securing a convincing 3-0 sweep. The win highlighted the depth of the roster and showcased their efficient offensive attack, with senior veterans like Tom Friesen and Riley Brunet providing timely plays and key blocks, while younger players like setter Keon Torz seamlessly directed the offence. It was a clinic in controlled, disciplined volleyball, leaving no doubt about the team's high standards of play, even in the early exhibition season.

The true test of heart came in Saturday's final match against the University of Manitoba Bisons, which developed into a thrilling five-set nail-biter. Fueled by defensive efforts and the tireless work of players such as Liam Kindle, they forced a decisive fifth set. In that final frame, the Bobcats dug deep, closing out the match 3-2 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd of over 200 fans, proving their conditioning and collective determination are already at mid-season form.

This weekend's action culminates in a can't-miss championship final. The Brandon University Bobcats will clash with the University of Manitoba Bisons in a rematch of Saturday's five-set thriller. Volleyball fans are strongly encouraged to come out and support the Bobcats as they look to capture the tournament title and continue building momentum toward another spectacular regular season.

Championship Final Details:

• Match-up: Brandon University Bobcats vs. University of Manitoba Bisons

• Time: Sunday, 1:00 PM

• Location: Healthy Living Centre, Brandon, MB
  Admission: Adults only $5 and KIDS ARE FREE! 

• Promotion: The third-place match between the Winnipeg Wesmen and the Saskatchewan Huskies will kick off the day at 11:00 AM.