Wesmen take on Bisons for right to host Canada West men’s volleyball final four

A magical season for the Winnipeg Wesmen’s men’s volleyball team continues this week, with a best-of-three quarterfinal series against cross-town rival Manitoba, beginning Thursday night.

On the line: a chance to host a Canada West Final Four for the first time in the program’s storied history.

“We’re really excited. It’s always a fun experience the Bison-Wesmen matchup, it brings out the best in both teams so we’re really looking forward to it. I think It will be an electric environment,” said head coach Chris Voth.

The Wesmen began the year 10-0, the best start in program history, en route to a 17-3 record overall. It earned them the number 1 seed in Canada West heading into the playoffs.

They were led by fifth-year senior and Winnipeg-born Isaiah Olfert, who on Wednesday was announced as a Canada West all-star, though he downplayed the accomplishment, giving all the credit to his teammates.

“Cool but, volleyball’s a team sport. I don’t think you get there without any of the other seven guys on the floor, and the other 10-12 guys on our team so, cool individual award but it doesn’t really mean much yet,” said Olfert.

The Wesmen haven’t won a men’s volleyball title in 17 years, but with Winnipeg being the host city for the final four and the finals this year, the Wesmen have a chance to play those games in front of their home crowd if they advance. 

“All great teams take things day-by-day, get better each and every day, each and every practice, so I think, obviously there’s an end goal for everyone, right?” said Paxton Koop, a senior player from Steinbach, Man. “But I think for us, right now, today’s Wednesday, so practice this afternoon is our goal now, and then tomorrow Thursday will be game one and that’ll be our goal.

“So I think we’re going to take it day by day, game by game.”

Added head coach Voth: “I think home court advantage is a thing, I think we play better at home, but for sure we’re not looking ahead yet. The Bisons are a really tough team, so we’re going to have to put everything out on the floor this weekend.”

Game 1 takes place Thursday night at the Duckworth Centre, with Game 2 on Friday and Game 3 if necessary on Saturday.