Box Score VANCOUVER – Despite a close first set, the UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball team were unable to capture the weekend split as they fell in three sets (20-25, 16-25, 12-25) to the UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday night.
The Heat would come close to taking the first set with both teams going back and forth sharing the lead through most of the set. However, after the technical timeout, UBC would begin to pull away, ultimately taking the first set 25-20.
Cameron Vanderveen (Abbotsford, B.C.) would open up the second set with his fifth kill out of six attempts to give the Heat momentum back, as they jumped out to an 8-4 lead. However, the T-Birds would respond with an eight-point run to bring the score to 8-12 for the hosting squad. A kill by Vanderveen would put a stop to the UBC run but ultimately, the Heat would be unable to regain the lead for the rest of the set as it went the way of the 'Birds, 25-16.
The Thunderbirds would be in control for the majority of the third and final set. The Heat made a push for a comeback midway through the set, going on a four-point run, propelled by outside hitter, Aaron Voth (Vancouver) but UBCO's efforts would ultimately come up short as the T-Birds would come out on top 25-12.
The Heat would be led by fourth year opposite hitter, Cameron Vanderveen who would finish with a .389 hitting percentage and a total of nine points, including eight kills, one service ace, and two digs. Max Heppell (Langley, B.C.) would be close behind, adding six points and hitting .364 with five kills.
The Thunderbirds would once again be led by Cole Brandsma (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Michael Dowhaniuk (White Rock, B.C.), both finishing with 14 points each. Brandsma would contribute 14 kills and three digs, while Dowhaniuk added 11 kills, three service aces, and three digs.
With the loss, UBCO falls to 6-6 on the season while UBC improves their record to 9-5.
The Heat continue their four-game weekend on Sunday, February 20 in Abbotsford, B.C., as they are set to meet with the UFV Cascades at 4 p.m. All action can be watched live on CanadaWest.tv presented by Co-op.
