{
  "id": 13217994,
  "title": "‘A brave new world’ for Bisons volleyball",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/a-brave-new-world-for-bisons-volleyball",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T21:11:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/10/09/a-brave-new-world-for-bisons-volleyball"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Manitoba Bisons women's volleyball team is set to embark on a new journey, marked by significant changes and the emergence of fresh talent. The team will enter its season without one of the best cores in the country, a fact that has left an indelible impact on the players. Chelsea Siebenga, a standout fifth-year libero, and Aviendah Plett, a fifth-year middle, are the only players remaining from a decorated era of the Bison women's volleyball program. Raya Surinx, a two-time U Sports Player of the Year, has opted to begin her professional career in Italy, marking the end of an era for the Bison women's volleyball program.\n\nThe Bisons have graduated several other key players, including outside hitters Andi Almonte and Ella Gray, setter Elia Falcone, and middles Brenna Bedosky and Eve Catojo. These departures have led to a season of learning for the team, with the players and coach, Ken Bentley, having to adapt to the new team dynamic. Head coach Bentley acknowledges the adjustment as a \"brave new world,\" emphasizing that the previous generation had to evolve as well to achieve their success. Despite the challenges, the Bisons are confident that they can navigate this new chapter in their program.\n\nThe team's new faces include versatile Norwegian Selma Hodne, a 19-year-old player who has primarily played middle and right side positions. Hodne, who was named the best middle blocker in Norway for the last three seasons, has left her club team to play for the Bisons in the Keystone province. Her move to Canada comes after careful consideration, as she chose an educational opportunity over a professional career abroad. Hodne's arrival adds depth to the team's roster, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the court. With the combined efforts of the established players and the new additions, the Bisons are poised to embark on a promising season, marking the beginning of a brave new world for the team.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}