KELOWNA, B.C. – Despite a solid debut performance by rookie Seba Manuel, the UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball team were taken down by the Mount Royal Cougars in straight sets on Friday night in the Furnace. 

The match opened up with some evenly matched scoring, with both sides keeping each other close until Mount Royal began to pull away halfway through the first set. The Cougars went on a series of small runs, starting with a four-point push to put them on top 18-13 over the Heat. From there, the visiting squad dominated the rest of the set, taking it 25-18.

The second set was controlled by the Cougars, halting the Heat's four-point push late in the set to take it 25-14.

Mount Royal came out strong at the start of the third set, but UBCO beat them back with another push late in the set. The push would not be enough to take the set, however, as Cougars took the third and final set 25-17.

TOP PERFORMERS
Seba Manuel – UBCO
The first-year outside hitter from Kelowna, B.C., made his debut performance in a Heat uniform tonight, kicking off his UBCO career in front of a home crowd. The 6-5 rookie led the Heat in the losing effort, contributing seven kills, two aces, and four digs.

Luis Lange – MRU
The fourth-year middle, hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, lead the Cougars in the winning effort, contributing seven kills, 5.5 blocks, and three digs for a total of 13.5 points.

WHERE THEY SIT
With tonight's loss, the Heat's record falls to 0-1 while the Cougars improve to 3-0 on the season.

UP NEXT
The Heat and the Cougars will be back in action Saturday night in the Furnace. The match is set to begin at 5 p.m. and tickets for the game can be purchased at the door.