Bisons charge on home court to eighth national title, first championship since 2014

The Manitoba Bisons have reached the summit of U SPORTS women’s volleyball after 11 years. 

Playing for gold in front of a sellout crowd at the Investors Group Athletic Centre, the No. 3 Bisons captured their eighth national championship and first since 2014 with a 3-1 victory (25-20, 25-19, 24-26, 25-16) over the No.5 Montreal Carabins in the championship game of the 2025 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship Sunday evening.

The win moved Manitoba into sole possession of second-place all-time behind only the UBC Thunderbirds with 14 titles, who were the last host school to win it all in 2023. Manitoba previously accomplished the feat in 2001 and became just the 11^th team to pull off the home triumph this season. 

Raya Surinx once again led the way for Manitoba, with 23 kills, 10 digs, and a .400 efficiency to take home Championship MVP honours. Light Uchechukwu added 11 kills and 10 digs, Andi Almonte had 10 scores, Julia Arnold registered 15 digs and Katreena Bently tallied 47 assists. 

The offence nearly led to a Manitoba sweep, until Montreal rallied to force extra points and force a fourth set where the home side wouldn’t be denied. The victory was redemption for a Bisons team that had lost in the national semifinal the last two seasons. 

On the Carabins’ side, Florence Clouthier had 17 kills and 14 digs, Florence Lapointe had 12 kills, while Julie Lanthier, Milica Djordjevic and Myriam Kayser-Tourig each had eight. Montreal was unable to take home its first U SPORTS title in its second championship final appearance, after also falling short last time out in 2008.  

Manitoba recorded a .357 hitting percentage in the match, compared to Montreal’s .184

The Bisons end their season as champions with an overall record of 22-5, while Montreal finished at 25-4. 

Mikasa Players of the Game

Manitoba: Raya Surinx

Montreal: Sarah McGlashan

Championship MVP: Raya Surinx, Manitoba

Championship All-Stars

Julia Arnold, Manitoba

Katreena Bentley, Manitoba

Florence Cloutier, Montreal

Milica Djordjevic, Montreal

Raya Surinx, Manitoba

Allie Moore, Alberta

Eve Catojo, Manitoba

R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award: McMaster Marauders