Box Score WINNIPEG – The No. 9-ranked UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball team had their postseason run end in heartbreaking fashion as they lost in four sets (25-23, 21-25, 21-25, 22-25) to the Manitoba Bisons on Saturday night in their third and final game of Round One pool play.
Opening up the action in the first set, the two squads would prove to be evenly matched as neither team would be able to earn a greater lead than three points. With the Heat up 10-8, the Bisons would go on a four-point run to earn their own two-point lead, however, UBCO would respond with a four-point run of their own, taking the lead 14-12. Down 16-15 at the technical timeout, the Heat would battle their way back to the lead, going on a 5-1 run to put the score at 22-21 for the Heat. Max Heppell (Langley, B.C.), assisted by Zach Van Geel (Calgary), would be the one to close out the set, throwing down a kill to put the score at 25-23.
The second set would once again see some close scores. Tied up at 9-9, the Heat would push through to gain a two-point advantage over the Bisons by the technical timeout. Cameron Vanderveen (Abbotsford, B.C.) would give the Heat their next three kills, holding the lead at 20-18. However, the Bisons would find their rhythm, going on a six-point run to take the set 25-21.
Similar to the second set, the third would have the two squads locked in a battle to break away. Noah Carlson of Sylvan Lake, Alta., would throw down a kill to give the Heat a single point lead over the Bisons at the technical timeout. The Heat would maintain their lead, with Carlson again breaking the tie in favour of the Heat at 21-20. Ultimately, the Bisons would once again make a late push, going on a five-point run to close out the set 25-21.
Carlson would open up the fourth set with two back-to-back kills, followed by four quick kills by Heppell, to give the Heat the early lead, 6-3. The Bisons would force their way into the lead by the technical timeout, ahead 16-14 over the Heat. The two squads would be locked in a tie moving forward until late in the set when the Bison gained a two-point lead over the Heat, 23-21. The Bisons would shut down the set with a kill from Owen Schwartz (St. Clements, Man.) 25-22.
Carlson's powerful performance was solidified by his 19 kills, setting a personal record for the most kills he has produced in a single game. The 6-6 outside hitter also added two service aces, 10 digs, and two blocks to total 22 points. Heppell would further Carlson's efforts, adding 19 points of his own including 17 kills, five digs, and three blocks.
Ben Carleton (Brisbane, Aus.) would lead the Bisons with 21.5 points including 18 kills, seven digs, and four blocks. Matthew Campbell (Winnipeg) would also be a key contributor for the Bisons, adding nine kills, two service aces, and seven digs for a total of 12 points.
With tonight's loss, the Heat's postseason action has now come to a close, marking the final action for graduates Eli Risso (Kelowna, B.C.), Max Heppell, Caleb Funk (Strathmore, Alta.) and Morgan Nichols (Bracebridge, Ont.)
