Host Bobcats upset top-ranked Wesmen in three sets

The Brandon Bobcats waited nearly seven years for their moment, and when it finally came Friday night, they made the most of their opportunity.

Riley Grusing registered 10 kills, while Canada West Second Team All-Star Philipp Lauter had eight scores on nine attempts and a .778 efficiency, as the No.8 and host Bobcats eliminated the No.1 Winnipeg Wesmen in three sets Friday evening

The upset sweep (25-19, 25-19, 25-22) came in the third quarterfinal of the 2025 U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship Presented by Sunrise Credit Union at the Healthy Living Centre Gymnasium – hosting rights that the Bobcats originally secured in 2018 for the 2021 tournament, which were deferred until this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now, the team will move on to the semifinal in front of its home crowd.

Tom Friesen also had seven digs for Brandon and J.J. Love tallied 28 assists. 

It was the third consecutive straight sets victory of Friday's quarterfinal action, which last occurred in 2006. Only once have all four opening round games ended in 3-0 victories.  

On the Winnipeg side, First Team All-Canadian Isiah Olfert led the way with 11 kills and six digs, and Jaxon Rose added six scores for the Wesmen, who are making their first tournament appearance since 2009. 

Brandon recorded a .247 hitting percentage in the match, compared to Winnipeg's .079

With the win, Brandon advances to play the winner of the final quarterfinal between No. 4 Queen's and No. 5 Saskatchewan on Saturday, while Winnipeg heads for the consolation semifinal against the loser of that match. 

Mikasa Players of the Game

Brandon: Riley Grusing

Winnipeg: Isiah Olfert