The Trinity Western Spartans qualified for the post-season after posting a pair of weekend victories over the Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg.
The Spartans improved to 12-4 after a 3-1 (25-22,25-23,15-25,25-23) and a 3-0 (25-15,25-19,25-17) victories over the Bisons, who fell to 9-7 in the Canada West women’s volleyball standings.
The victories also bumped Trinity Western from third to second in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport rankings released on Tuesday, while Manitoba maintained their sixth-place ranking.
This marked the first time Trinity Western has ever won at Manitoba.
“This is a tough place to play,” said coach Ryan Hofer.
“And I think we played with character.”
While not particularly pleased with his team’s performance on Friday — despite the victory — Hofer was much more enthused following Saturday’s match.
“What a great team effort,” he said.
“The girls out there played exceptionally well.
“We played solid defence and this is something we can definitely build upon moving forward.”
Royal Richardson and Alicia Perrin each had 10 kills and combined for nine blocks.
Nicole Bazin had five kills, without a single error, and Chelsea Hudson led the team with 25 set assists.
Richardson led the way with 13 kills while Amy Leschied had 11 kills and three aces.
Jodi Neufeld had 15 digs while Hudson had 29 set assists.
Trinity Western is on the road this weekend in Calgary to face the 8-8 Dinos.
