Bisons future bright, even without Light

When Raya Surinx returned to the court to prepare for a new season with the University of Manitoba Bisons, something admittedly felt off.

The last time the star outside hitter was on a court in school colours, it was in celebration with many longtime teammates while confetti rained down.

There was a figurative void as a new campaign approached. Three cultural pillars inside the program — outside hitter Light Ucheckukwu, libero Julia Arnold and setter Katreena Bentley — had moved on.

“It was really strange at first, especially because I joined the team late,” said Surinx, who was away with the Canadian NextGen team last month.

Ucheckukwu, Arnold and Bentley were calming presences on the court and leaders away from it. However, it didn’t take long for Surinx to see how bright the future