BRANDON — The Winnipeg Wesmen will have a chance to sew up first place on the final weekend of the Canada West season after a split in Brandon.

The Wesmen men's volleyball team had its six-match Canada West conference winning streak snapped on Saturday night, falling to the Brandon Bobcats in 3-1 (25-20, 22-25, 27-25, 25-22) at the Healthy Living Centre.

Despite the loss, the Wesmen (15-3) remained in sole possession of first place in the Canada West, one match clear of Alberta with two to play. A sweep of UBCO in the season-wrapping series at the Duckworth Centre will give Winnipeg home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Isaiah Olfert led the Wesmen offense with 20 kills and three blocks, while Luke Lodewyks added 13 kills and three service aces. Setter Ben Traa distributed 31 assists and anchored the defense with 11 digs, while libero Carson Brennan recorded a team-high 14 digs.

Winnipeg finished the match with a .148 hitting percentage, recording 54 kills and 60 digs. However, 12 service errors and 31 attack errors proved costly.

The third set proved pivotal and featured 12 ties and five lead changes. Winnipeg held a slim 21-19 lead after a kill from Olfert, but Brandon fought back behind Tom Friesen and J.J. Love, who combined for four late kills. The Wesmen had a set point at 25-24, but a block and ensuing ace from Philipp Lauter secured the set for BU.

In the fourth, the Wesmen had the set tied at 19 but Brandon scored four of the next five points to take control. 

Friesen finished with 14 kills to lead Brandon, which now sits in eight place after its fourth win in six matches.