The Manitoba Bisons women’s volleyball team celebrate winning the national championship in Winnipeg on Sunday, March 16, 2025. (ZACHARY PETERS PHOTO)
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Bisons women’s volleyball team are national champions for the first time in 11 years, securing their eighth title in program history with a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Carabins on Sunday night.
Led by tournament MVP Raya Surinx, who tallied 23 kills, the Bisons dominated with a .357 hitting percentage and a strong defensive presence. Katreena Bentley contributed 47 assists, while six different players recorded at least one block.
“I don’t know what to say. This team has just blown me away for the last three or four years. I’m so proud of this group. They’ve been such a treat to coach,” said head coach Ken Bentley, who earned his seventh national title in year 39 as bench boss.
“We stayed in this thing and did it with joy and purpose. They’re the team everyone wants to play for. I’m so proud of what they represent of our program and this university and for Bison Sports.”
The Bisons controlled the match early, winning the first two sets (25-20, 25-19). Montreal rallied to take the third (26-24), but Manitoba closed out the fourth (25-16) with a dominant defensive effort, highlighted by Brenna Bedosky’s multiple blocks.
The victory cements Manitoba’s legacy as a powerhouse program, with their first U Sports national title since 2014.
Watch highlights:
WVB ? THE @umbisons ARE YOUR 2025 WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL NATIONAL CHAMPS ??
VBF ? LES @umbisons SONT LES CHAMPIONS NATIONAUX DE VOLLEYBALL FÉMININ 2025 ?? pic.twitter.com/h8k52WYEhB
— U SPORTS Volleyball (@USPORTS_VBall) March 17, 2025
— With files from Bison Sports
