The MacEwan University Griffins opened up their 2016-2017 Canada West regular season schedule with a straight sets (25-22, 25-21, 25-15) victory over the University of Winnipeg Wesmen Friday evening at the Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium in Winnipeg.

Griffins outside hitter Cassidy Kinsella was a one person wrecking crew, finishing the match with 17 kills and three blocks. Lauren Holmes led the Griffins in digs with seven.

Fifth year outside hitter Karissa Kuhr led the Wesmen with eight kills and seven digs. Danika Picklyk was next with six kills and seven digs.

In the opening set, MacEwan's strong play at the net resulted in three straight points as they jumped out to a 6-2 lead early on. Winnipeg made a comeback soon after and went into the technical timeout trailing 16-15. The Griffins went on to win the opening set by a score of 25-22.

Kinsella continued her strong play in the second set with numerous kills to lift the Griffins to a 16-14 lead at the technical timeout. Winnipeg closed the gap late in the set, but MacEwan scored three unanswered points to win the set 25-21.

The Griffins controlled play in the third set racing out to an 11-3 lead and never looked back, closing out the set by a score of 25-15.

Winnipeg and MacEwan will wrap up their weekend series on Saturday night. Match time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.