EDMONTON - Second-year sensation Raya Surinx had a game-high 20 kills to lead the Manitoba Bisons to a 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22) victory over the Alberta Pandas Friday night at the Saville Centre.

Surinx, the Canada West leader in kills per set, also had a game-high three service aces. She was aided by setter Katreena Bentley who also impressed with a game-high 35 assists.

Manitoba continues their phenomenal season, moving to 18-3 on the year and in prime position for a 1-seed run. Alberta drops to 16-5 with the loss, and remains in fourth place in the CW.

Alberta saw a great performance from Lauryn Tremblay, who had 13 kills, and Abby Guezen who had a team-high 14.

Surinx started the visiting Bisons hot out of the gate, contributing 11 kills in the first frame, but the Pandas were equally as explosive on offence and took the set 26-24. Tremblay recorded a team-high five kills in the win.

Manitoba impressed on defence in the second, holding the Pandas to just a .114 hitting percentage amidst a 25-17 win. Light Uchechukwu was important in the frame for the visitors, getting three kills and helping the Bisons maintain momentum at key points in the action.

The third was a lot closer, with eight tie scores recorded in the set, but a late Manitoba surge put the visitors on top 25-20.

A valiant start to the fourth set for the Pandas was no match for Surinx and the Bisons. They won the final set 25-22, and saw a great frame from middle Brenna Bedosky who was stout on the blockline and contributed some devastating attacks, finishing the game with eight kills.

The teams return to action tomorrow night for their last regular season matchup of the year.