Files from University of Manitoba Sports Information

The #3 University of Manitoba Bisons men's volleyball team defeated the University of Winnipeg Wesmen in the 26th annual Duckworth Challenge 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-21) at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

With the win Manitoba wins the men's volleyball portion of the Duckworth Challenge, and improves to 11-1 in conference play. With the loss, Winnipeg falls to 4-8 in the Canada west division standings.

Manitoba's Luke Herr and Winnipeg's David Bommersbach were named Duckworth Challenge Players of the Game for their respective squads.  

Adam DeJonckheere and Devren Dear led the Bisons with 11 kills each, and David Bommersbach led the Wesmen with 11 kills of his own.

The home side never trailed, and took control in the first set, taking an early 8-3 set lead. Winnipeg made seven attack errors, compared to the Bisons two, who converted 13 kills in the set. Devren Dear led the Herd with five kills in the set, Scott Vercaigne and Adam DeJonckheere added another three each. The Bisons also had a .440 attack percentage, compared to Winnipeg's .040 percent, helping Manitoba to a 25-14 first set victory.

The second set was more competitive, but again the Herd took the set. The set featured a lot of attacking errors, with the Bisons committing nine, and the Wesmen committing 11. Manitoba led 10-9 in kills, and stayed at a positive percentage attacking wise, while the visitors attacked at -.065 percent.

The final set began with a lot of back and forth play, with the teams tied at six points early. The game remained close, and tied at 15 points until DeJonckheere converted on a kill, giving the Herd the 16-15 lead, and the momentum heading into a timeout. On the very next play, Dustin Springs came up with a huge block, and increased the Bisons lead to two. Winnipeg would make a strong push late, tying the match at 20 points. The home side would strike back on the next play to take a 21-20 lead, and then Vercaigne would convert back-to back service aces to give Manitoba a 23-20 lead late. The home side would keep their lead, and go on to win the set, 25-21.