DAVID LARKINS, Wesmen Athletics

For the second time in three seasons, the Winnipeg Wesmen are undefeated after the first weekend of Canada West play.

Selva Planincic and Ashleigh Laube both had 16 kills and the Wesmen women's volleyball team came back from a set down to beat the Regina Cougars 3-1 (20-25, 27-25, 25-11, 25-22) Saturday night at the Duckworth Centre. 

It was the second straight night in double-digit kills for Planincic, and Laube hit .500 with just two errors on 28 swings. Emma Parker added 12 kills and 12 digs, and freshman libero Taylor Cangemi added 12 digs. 

Taylor Kleysen, converted to middle from right side, had eight kills on 18 swings with no errors for a career-high .444 attacking efficiency. 

The Wesmen hit .308 for the night, including .524 in a dominant third set when the match swung entirely in their favour. Winnipeg tore off six of the first seven points and led 11-2 before Regina showed even the slightest signs of life. The Cougars managed to cut the deficit to six at 12-6 before Winnipeg again strung together points, winning six of the next nine to cease further control.

Regina hit .250 on the night, including .517 in the first set when it looked as though the Cougars were prepared to shake off a lackluster showing Friday night when they were swept. 

Jessica Lerminiaux had a match-high 20 kills to lead the Cougars.

The Wesmen also opened the 2018-19 season with two wins, using home-court advantage to best the UBCO Heat to start conference play.

The Wesmen play a home-and-home Thursday and Saturday against the Manitoba Bisons. 

—#REPTHEW—