The University of Regina Rams are heading to the postseason after beating out Manitoba at home over the weekend. The Rams came out with a 26-15 victory over the Bisons at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. Regina took the lead early, manufacturing a 10 play, 82-yard drive before running back Carter Ashman brought it home with a four-yard touchdown run. Manitoba did manage to get on the board with a safety to make the score 7-2 at the end of the first quarter. Two field goals from 43 and 39 yards out by Ty Gorniak increased Regina’s lead to 13-2 at halftime. The Rams kept denying the Bison’s points through a pair of blocked field goals in the second and third quarters. Following the second block, the Rams drove deep into Bisons territory, covering 85 yards in six plays. Yet again, Ashman reached the end zone with a 12-yard run to make the score 20-2. The Bisons were not done yet however, they responded with two consecutive touchdowns to come within striking distance as the scoreboard read 20-15. Cole Anseeuq found Nathan Udoh with a 25-yard reception late in the third quarter and connected with Mikun Odunuga early in the fourth for a 10-yard touchdown. The Rams’ defence made a “crucial stop” after the Bisons intercepted a pass early in the final quarter. Carson Sombach dropped Odunuga to force a turnover on downs. Ashman then recorded a 38-yard run, which set up Gorniak’s 27-yard field goal. The defence continued to hold, forcing Manitoba to punt twice before the Rams recorded the final score of the game with another Gorniak field goal – this time 22 yards out. Ashman finished the game with 174 rushing yards on 29 carries and four receptions for 84 yards. Gorniak made four of his five field goal attempts. The Rams finish the regular season third in the conference. Regina will face off against the second-place University of Saskatchewan Huskies in Saskatoon for the semifinal on Saturday, Nov.7. The winner of that match will advance to the 89th Biosteel Hardy Cup on Nov. 14.
