LANGLEY, B.C. – Trinity Western defeated Manitoba 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-17) in their home opener at the Langley Events Centre on Friday night.
The Spartans (1-0) were led by
Ansah Odoom (Surrey, B.C.) and
Meaghan Mealey (Calgary) with nine kills each while the Bisons (0-1) had an outstanding night from first-year outside-hitter Raya Surinx.
AS IT HAPPENED
The Spartans got out to an early 10-4 lead in the first set, cruising to a 25-16 set victory in the end.
The Bisons would keep things close with the Spartans until a serving run from the Spartans gave them a substantial cushion at 21-15. TWU rolled to a 25-17 set victory.
With the Spartans down 11-10 in the third set, TWU clawed back, working their way towards an eventual 25-17 victory to seal their sweep of the Bisons.
QUOTABLE
Ryan Hofer – TWU Head Coach
"We wanted to put a really good serving package together tonight – and I felt that we did that, forcing them to pass a lot of balls, forcing them to stay in system, and keeping them off the net. We wanted to put some pressure on with our blocking and defence, and I'm glad we were able to do that tonight.
"I'm really pleased with the options and opportunities that we have. We're hoping that we can create a group a players that can go out there and contribute, working with what their strengths are.
"For us, it's about meeting our standards. I thought we did a really good job of that tonight whether it was sideout, serving, or kill efficiency. We're trying to put aside the fact that the banner was last year – this is a new season where we have to work, and earn every bit of it."
NOTABLE
- The Spartans are 27-22 all-time against the Bisons. TWU's last loss to Manitoba was on Feb. 15, 2019.
- TWU raised their banner after their second U SPORTS Championship in program history. The Spartans also won their fifth conference title last season.
- The Bisons were ranked seventh in the Canada West preseason coaches poll after finishing the 2021-22 season with a 6-10 record.
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby, as well as women's and men's disc golf. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 13 U SPORTS team championships and 32 Canada West team championships.
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