Box Score ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - Playing primarily their backups as they closed out a four games in four days stretch, the UBC Okanagan Heat women's volleyball team lost to UFV Cascades in four sets (25-17, 14-25, 28-30, 23-25) on Monday afternoon.
The Heat, coming off of a five-set win over the Cascades Sunday night, jumped out to a quick start as they attempted to sweep the two games from UFV. The beginning of the match was purely dominated by Hellen Lacava, who scored two aces and three kills, taking an early 11-5. Following a UFV timeout, the Cascades were able to find a four-point streak to put the game 11-9. Denying any comeback attempt in the set, the Heat regained control and captured the first set 25-17.
An early run of nine straight points gave UFV the advantage in the second-set, giving the Heat no chance to prevail. With the Cascades holding an 11-3 lead, the Heat used a timeout to regroup and decrease the UFV spread. However, Amanda Matsui ensured no comeback for UBCO as she contributed seven kills, including the set point, to lead UFV to a 25-14 win.
In a nail-biting third set, the Heat and Cascades both bounced points back-and-forth until four technical errors gave the Cascades a 24-21 lead on the Heat. UBCO would put up a fight, fighting off three set-points to tie the set, then lead the game 25-24, with phenomenal kills from both Amaya Perry and Lacava. The Cascades were forced into a timeout, which helped them regroup and thanks to a few clutch Matsui kills, were able to secure the set 30-28.
In the fourth and final set of the evening, the Cascades attack persisted as an early nine kills propelled UFV to a 11-6 advantage. UBCO was able to get back into the set thanks to a four-point service run from Abigail Dueck, to close the point gap and trail the hosts by only one 21-20. However, back-to-back blocks for UFV and two Heat errors gave the home teama 25-23 set win and the match.
Hellen Lacava, a third-year from Mandaguari, Brazil, had a big game for the Heat Monday afternoon as she shifted to outside hitter from libero, where she's played the majority of the season. Lacava led the Heat's attack by contributing 11 kills, 13 digs as well as four aces.
Amaya Perry of Chin, Alta., chipped in with 10 kills and 10 digs for the Heat.
Leading UFV was Amanda Matsui as she once again racked up a game-high 18 kills proving her technical skills at the net against the Heat. Matsui also scored 21 digs, however, her younger sister Emily Matsui, was the top defensive presence for the home side, leading the way with 22 digs.
The loss drops the Heat to 8-6 on the year and into a tie for second place in the West division with the UBC Thunderbirds.
UBCO will now return home to The Furnace for their final two regular season games this weekend as they host the U SPORTS No. 1-ranked Trinity Western Spartans. Game one goes on Friday evening at 6 p.m. followed by the team's Graduating Seniors Celebration on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.
