EDMONTON – The UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball team hit the court for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic this past weekend as they posted a 1-2 record at the FOG Volleyball Classic, hosted by the Alberta Golden Bears.

The Heat tangled with the host Golden Bears in their opening match on Thursday and despite hanging tough with the hosts in the opening two sets, they lost 24-26, 25-27 and 15-25.

Second-year outside hitter Noah Carlson of Sylvan Lake, Alta., was the bright spot for the Heat as he led the attack with eight kills while also chipping in with five digs.

In their second match on Friday, UBCO also suffered a three-set loss as they fell to the Calgary Dinos 21-25, 14-25 and 33-35.

Third-year outside hitter Noah Campbell, playing in his hometown, had a strong effort against the Dinos as he picked up 11 kills while Cameron Vanderveen of Abbotsford, B.C., added eight kills.

In Saturday's tournament finale against the Mount Royal Cougars, the Heat turned their fortunes around as they posted a five-set win (22-25, 25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 15-9).

Carlson was once again potent in the attack with 15 kills with Maxwell Heppell of Langley, B.C. adding 14.

Caleb Funk of Strathmore, Alta., also stood out with 13.5 points off of eight kills, four aces and 1.5 blocks.