The University of Regina's volleyball teams kick off their 2009-10 seasons this weekend against the Manitoba Bisons at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport. Matches will be played at 6 and 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

Women's Preview

After cruising to an 11-3 record during the non-conference schedule, the Cougars hope to ride that momentum into Canada West action beginning this weekend against Manitoba.

Regina enters the weekend ranked No. 7 in the CIS and will be put to the test against the No. 3-ranked Bisons. The two teams have already met twice this year in non-conference play, with both teams winning once. Last year, Manitoba won both of its conference matches against Regina.

The Cougars' top returning player is fifth-year middle blocker Beth Clark, the school's rally-point era leader in both career blocks (263) and service aces (76). Clark, who will serve as the team's co-captain, will be counted upon by head coach Melanie Sanford to provide plenty of experience and leadership this season.

Manitoba will be led by fourth-year outside hitter Sarah Morrissette, who was named a second-team All-Canadian last season after averaging a Canada West-leading 3.93 kills per game. Third-year setter Sam Loewen, who averaged 10.46 assists per set last year and was named a Canada West second-team all-star, also returns for the Bisons.

The women will play at 6 p.m. on Friday night and following the men's game on Saturday.

Men's Preview

The Cougars will have a very different look this season, as the team lost veterans Ryan DeCosse, Christopher Knoop, and Blake Wheler to graduation.

Fifth-year right side Mathew Brooks will return for his final season as a Cougar. Brooks is the U of R's all-time rally-point era leader in career kills (751) and kills per set (3.10), but has not played since the Brandon tournament in early October after suffering an injury.

With Knoop gone, Jamie Wilkins and Brody Waddell will see a huge increase in floor time this season on the outside. The departure of DeCosse leaves the setter job open, with rookies Derek Delavau and Caleb Eschbach battling to fill in there. The middle will likely be filled by Drew Smith and Leon Dyck, while libero Lindsey Isaak will return for his fourth season.

Manitoba, which is currently ranked No. 5 in the CIS, will again look to Chris Voth for production from the outside. Voth racked up 204 kills and had a .266 hitting percentage last season as a first-year player and was rewarded with a berth on the CIS All-Rookie Team.

The men will play following the women's match on Friday and at 6 p.m. on Saturday night.

Live stats will be available for all four matches at www.reginacougars.com.