Anna 
The No. 2-ranked Manitoba Bisons (16-4) will face off against the Mount Royal Cougars (12-8) this weekend at IGAC in another exciting chapter of their ongoing rivalry. This marks the fifth contest between the two teams since the 2022-23 season and could lead to up to ten total matchups during this period.
One of the most memorable encounters between these two teams took place at the 2023 national championship. Despite the Cougars dominating the regular season with a 4-0 record against Manitoba, the Bisons triumphed when it mattered most, winning a five-set thriller to secure a spot in the national semifinals.
For the Bisons, the victory was a major milestone in their development. Their roster has remained mostly intact since then, with the team continuing to improve each year. Last season, Manitoba captured its first-ever Canada West title and claimed U SPORTS bronze. They went undefeated (4-0) at IGAC during their playoff run and will be looking to repeat that success against a Mount Royal squad that has undergone significant roster changes, with only two members from the 2023 team still on the current roster.
Despite their records, this series promises to be highly competitive. The Cougars, led by 6’2″ Canada West All-Star Emma Boyd and middle hitter Mya Morgan (both of whom were part of the 2023 team), are an energetic and athletic squad. Boyd and Morgan have combined for 265 kills this season, contributing to the team’s overall success. In total, five Cougars players have registered more than 100 kills this year, with third-year outside hitter Bronwyn Davies-Neira leading the way with 181.
At the service line, Boyd has been a standout, ranking second in Canada West with 43 aces. As a team, the Cougars have accumulated 147 aces, tying for fourth in Canada West.
Manitoba, however, has been just as strong in service pressure. The Bisons have recorded 140 aces, with Raya Surinx, a back-to-back Canada West First Team All-Star, contributing 43 of them. Surinx also leads the nation in kills (310) and kills per set (4.84), despite missing the first two games of the season.
Canada West First Team All-Star Katreena Bentley has been key in distributing the ball, tallying 775 assists, the most in U SPORTS. Meanwhile, second-team all-star Julia Arnold leads Canada West with 288 digs at the libero position.
In the middle, Manitoba is just as formidable, with Eve Catojo and Brenna Bedosky ranking first and third in the nation in hitting percentage at .423 and .382, respectively.
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