Box Score WINNIPEG, MANITOBA — The Mount Royal Cougars women’s volleyball team put forth a valiant effort in their Canada West quarterfinal opener but fell in straight sets (21-25, 18-25, 22-25) to the Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg. The Cougars showed moments of brilliance throughout the match, keeping each set highly competitive, but the Bisons’ efficiency and late-set execution proved to be the difference. With the loss, Mount Royal now faces a must-win Game 2 to keep their playoff run alive.
The Cougars came out with energy in the opening set, determined to match Manitoba’s intensity. Led by standout performances from Bronwynn Davies-Neira and Mya Morgan, Mount Royal found success early, moving the ball well and generating strong offensive opportunities. The Cougars hit an impressive .281 in the set, with 14 kills, as setter Lexi Herrod distributed the ball effectively to her attackers.
Despite their strong play, Manitoba proved difficult to contain. The Bisons were nearly flawless offensively, committing just two attack errors while converting 17 kills at a .469 hitting percentage. Mount Royal stayed within striking distance for much of the set, but a late push by the Bisons saw them edge out the Cougars 25-21.
In the second set, the Cougars ran into difficulties sustaining their offensive rhythm. Manitoba’s defense tightened, forcing Mount Royal into five attacking errors, while the Bisons continued to execute with efficiency. The Cougars still found contributions from across the lineup, with Emma Boyd making a significant impact at the service line. Boyd finished the match with four service aces, providing much-needed momentum at key moments.
However, despite flashes of strong play, Mount Royal was unable to string together long scoring runs. The Bisons remained composed, capitalizing on opportunities and using their strong blocking presence to disrupt the Cougars’ attack. Manitoba extended their lead late in the set and secured a 25-18 win to take a commanding 2-0 match lead.
Facing elimination, Mount Royal showed incredible fight in the third set. Davies-Neira and Sydney Scatcherd stepped up, leading the offense with aggressive attacking, while Herrod kept the team organized with precise ball distribution. The Cougars pushed Manitoba deep into the set, refusing to go down without a battle.
Mount Royal found itself in a tight contest late in the set, with both teams exchanging points. However, Manitoba’s key offensive threats, led by Raya Surinx (18 kills) and Light Uchechukwu (11 kills), proved to be the difference-makers once again. The Bisons managed to string together a few clutch points in the final moments, narrowly securing a 25-22 win to seal the match.
Despite the result, Cougars Head Coach Rhonda Schmuland saw positives in her team’s play, particularly in their defensive setups at the net. “I thought our blocking lineups were really well done. We had a few where the ball got through the seams and they were able to find that, but I thought our middles did a fantastic job of closing, and we got some really positive touches tonight on our blocking.”
As they prepare for Game 2, the Cougars will look to clean up their attack efficiency, limit errors, and find ways to slow down Manitoba’s offensive stars. If they can maintain the energy and fight they displayed in the third set, Mount Royal has a strong chance of bouncing back and forcing a decisive Game 3.
With their season on the line, the Cougars will be ready to battle, aiming to extend their playoff journey and keep their championship aspirations alive.
Game 2 takes place tomorrow at 5 PM MT and can be watched live on CanadaWest.tv
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