WINNIPEG, Oct. 12, 2012 - Coming into Friday’s game, it was time to turn the women’s soccer season around for Manitoba. 

With just three points separating them from a playoff spot and a six-game conference losing streak coming in, Manitoba needed to make a statement against Lethbridge at the University of Manitoba Turf Fields West.

Under the lights, on a cold, windy night, they did just that - as the Bisons (3-6-0) defeated the Pronghorns (1-7-1) handily, 5-0.

The Bisons were keyed off by huge games from midfielders Allison Kastner and Kaylan Strang. Kastner scored the go-ahead goal just 30 seconds in, and would put in another in the second half. She continues to lead the Bisons points, now with seven (four goals, three assists). Strang earned two assists on the night. 

For Lethbridge, it was a defensive struggle all night as Manitoba came out with the energy of a team fighting for a playoff spot. Offensively, the Pronghorns got chances late in the first half - but were unable to capitalize.

The first half saw the Bisons come roaring out of the gate. Kastner’s early goal was followed up by 45 minutes of crisp passing, one example leading to a late opportunity for midfielder Rhoni Mackenzie, who sent a breakaway ball just wide of the net. The Pronghorns had their chances early too, with a breakway for Lethbridge forward Danielle Lagemaat coming up empty as a ball skirted the left goalpost but ended up wide.

In the second half, the floodgates opened up. Manitoba got another goal from Kastner, as well as goals from Alyssa Robinson, Selina Speranza, and Kaelyn Vincent to blow the game open. The Bisons continued to show energy as substitutions for head coach Hayden Sloane-Seale kept his team fresh. Manitoba will look to key off of the second half as they look forward to a matchup with eighth-place Calgary, the team who holds the playoff spot the Bisons hope to earn, tomorrow night.

Also on Friday night, the Bisons celebrated former player and current coach Desiree Scott on her Olympic bronze medal obtained in London with the Canadian national team. Scott was presented a plaque at halftime by Bisons staff and was honored by fans for her Olympic effort and time spent in a Manitoba jersey.

The 'Horns wrap up their Manitoba trip tomorrow night taking on the Winnipeg Wesmen, kick off is scheduled for 6:00pm.