SASKATOON, Sask. - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's volleyball team battled the Saskatchewan Huskies over five sets on Friday evening but ultimately lost their fourth game in a row 25-22, 21-25, 25-21, 19-25 and 12-15.
Starting the first set ready for action, the Heat exchanged points back and forth between the Huskies until Sydney Grills (Vancouver, B.C) dropped back-to-back kills to open up a three-point cushion 14-11. That stretch was enough to allow the Heat to take control of the set and ultimately take the early lead.
The Huskies would respond in the second set as they won eight of nine points in the middle of the frame to tie the match up at a set apiece.
Saskatchwan appeared poised to take the lead with an early burst of points to begin the third set. However, the combination of Grills and Hellen Luvizetti Lacava of Mandaguari, Brazil, pulled the Heat back into the set and they took control from there as they moved to within a set of the win.
But it wasn't to be on this night for the Heat. Saskatchwan claimed the fourth set to send the match the distance and a three point run by the Huskies late in the final frame allowed them to claim victory.
TOP PERFORMERS
Sydney Grills - UBCO
Totalling a game-high 27.0 points for the Heat, the Vancouverite led her squad with 23 kills, six blocks, and 15 digs on Friday evening. It was another strong game for the outside hitter as she did a bit of everything to give her squad the opportunity to win.
Mandi Fraser - Saskatchewan
Finding a team-high of 19 kills, Fraser, a fourth-year product of Saskatoon, Sask., was a fierce competitor for the Huskies. Fraser also found herself totalling 23 points with five blocks and .529 hitting percentage.
WHERE THEY SIT
With the five set loss on Friday evening, the UBCO dropped to a 5-6 record in the Canada West standings whereas the Saskatchewan Huskies advanced to a 6-5 record.
UP NEXT
The Heat return to the court on the road tomorrow, Saturday, December 2nd, where they match up once again against the Saskatchewan Huskies. All action can be seen live on Canada West TV.
