OTTAWA (October 3, 2022) – The UBC Okanagan Heat women's volleyball team continued their hot start to the season on Sunday afternoon as they captured the championship at the Gee-Gees Preseason Classic with a 3-1 victory (23-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-15) over the Montreal Carabins in the gold medal match.
 
The Heat went a perfect 5-0 over the course of the three-day tournament as they dropped just three sets in five matches.
 
Senior opposite Sydney Grills of Vancouver, fresh off a strong summer with the Canadian national team, was in top form for the Heat throughout the event as was subsequently named the Tournament MVP.
 
Third-year outside hitter Amaya Perry of Chin, Alta., was also recognized as a tournament all-star.
 
UBCO faced their stiffest competition on Day 1 of the tournament as they need three sets to knock off both the Toronto Varsity Blues and the McMaster Marauders.
 
From there, the Heat settled into a groove as they swept both the Saint Mary's Huskies and the host Ottawa Gee-Gees on Day 2.
 
Facing off against another 4-0 squad in Montreal, the Heat dropped the opening set before responding with three dominating set performances to bring home the title.
 
Following the tournament victory, the Heat's preseason record now sits at an unblemished 7-0 after UBCO also defeated Calgary and Thompson Rivers at the WolfPack Invitational back in September.
 
The team will wrap up their preseason with a final matchup against the WolfPack at a date still to be determined while also hosting Team Canada's U19 squad for a pair of matches.