Sports Briefs
Women's hockey team plays exhibition matches against Bison alumni
Taking a weekend off from Canada West play, the women's hockey team participated in two games versus the Bison alumni this past weekend at the Max Bell Centre. Both games ended up being 3-3 finals despite the fact that the Bisons outshot the alumni in both games by a wide margin.
These two exhibition games were played to keep the team fresh for their upcoming series this weekend in Vancouver as they take on UBC. Both Manitoba and UBC are winless, so Manitoba will be hoping to take advantage of these two games to put some points on the board in the Canada West standings.
Two football players earn spots on Canada West all-star team
Slotback Mike Faisthuber and centre Luke Acheson were the Manitoba contingent on the Canada West all-star team. This is Faisthuber's second time making the all-star team, while this is Acheson's first time.
Faisthuber finished his fifth and final season with Manitoba in style, catching 38 passes for 475 yards with six touchdowns, leading the team in all of those categories. His 4.75 receptions per game was second in the Canada West division, while his average of 59.4 yards per game gave the Kamloops, B.C. native seventh place in the conference. In his five years, Faisthuber set team records for receiving TD's in a season with seven (2000), the longest pass reception in a game (96 yards, 1999), and the most touchdowns in a career with 21. He finished his career with the second most career yardage in receiving with 2,005 yards and the second most receptions with 135.
Meanwhile, Acheson has been part of the core of the offensive line for the past few years. Originally a centre when he started here, he was moved to guard when Chris Bochen returned to the line-up after missing the 2000 season due to injury. He was back at centre this year - this just goes to show how versatile and talented he is to be able to switch positions and still excel.
Wrestling team takes part in McMaster Open
On Nov. 3, the Bison's wrestling team participated in the McMaster Open, and some very good results were attained. In the 48-kg class, Audrey Carrasco finished in second place. In the 65-kg class, Maren Marks also finished second. Bret Schifke finished fourth in the 130-kg class, while Roxanne Adair finished fourth in the 80-kg class. Heather Laube was fifth in the 57-kg class. Carlos Silva did not place in the 57-kg class, but he had a close match with last year's CIS silver medallist. The next action for the wrestling team is in Regina on Nov. 22.
Athletes of the week
(Oct. 27 - Nov. 2)
The men's athlete of the week for this edition is men's basketball player Taylor Cherris-Wilding. The point-guard is in his first year of eligibility with Manitoba, and was named the MVP of the Applebee's Invitational Tournament. The New Westminster, B.C. native scored 46 points in the two Bison victories.
The women's athlete of the week is Audrey Carrasco from the women's wrestling team. Carrasco, who is in her second year of eligibility, finished second in the 48-kg class in the McMaster Open. The Mississauga, Ontario native is expected to contend for a CIS medal this season, as the 5-2 wrestler finished fourth in last year's championships in her rookie season.
Athletes of the week
(Nov. 3 - Nov. 9)
Murray Laidlaw was named the men's athlete of the week for his performance this past weekend. Laidlaw, a fifth year power hitter on the men's volleyball team, helped lead fourth-ranked Manitoba to a sweep of second-ranked Trinity Western University. In game one, Laidlaw led all hitters with 15 kills to go with 10 digs and three stuffs, and added to his stats in game two by leading all hitters with 18 kills with a 42 per cent kill efficiency. He also added five digs and four stuffs.
Sarah Holder was named the women's athlete of the week for her performance. The women's basketball player was solid in both games as the Herd was victorious in their opening two game set. Holder had 12 points, eight boards and two assists in helping fourth-ranked Manitoba beat second-ranked SFU last Friday. She followed that performance by contributing a game-high 16 points while adding six rebounds in the Saturday's 66-48 victory over Trinity Western.