Box Score KELOWNA, B.C. – Abbotsford, B.C. product Cam Vanderveen's 14-point performance propelled the UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball squad to a historic victory over the No. 1 nationally-ranked Trinity Western Spartans on Friday night as the Heat won in straight sets (25-18, 25-21, 25-18) at The Furnace.
To kick off the first set, the two squads would be closely matched, keeping each other within striking range until the tie at 7-7 when UBCO began to pull away. A block from the hands of Caleb Funk (Strathmore, Alta.) and Noah Carlson (Sylvan Lake, Alta.) would bring the Heat into the technical timeout with a four-point lead, 16-12. A three-point run for the Heat, including a kill from Tsawwassen, B.C. product Teo Ardanaz, would bring the set to a close, 25-18 for the Heat.
The Heat would quickly assert their control coming into the second set, going on two three-point runs to take the early lead 9-5. Once again, the hosting squad would have the lead going into the technical timeout, this time with a two-point lead after a kill from fourth-year outside hitter, Max Heppell (Langley, B.C.). The Spartans would push back against the Heat lead, going on a four-point run to put the score at 20-19 for the Heat, however, the UBCO squad's momentum could not be stopped as they took the set 25-21 off a kill from Ardanaz.
The Spartans would take the early lead in the third set, going on a quick run to put them ahead 4-0, but the Heat would respond quickly with a five-point run to put them ahead by one, 5-4. The two squads would be stuck in a battle to break the tie up until a three-point run by Carlson, including two kills and one service ace. The Heat would go on another three-point run, this time consisting of a TWU error, a kill by Vanderveen, and a block by Vanderveen and Funk to put the score at 15-11 for the Heat. Heppell would once again lay down the kill to bring the action into the technical timeout, the Heat leading 16-12. The Heat would maintain the lead through the remainder of the set, taking the final set 25-18 after a kill from Funk, assisted by Zach Van Geel (Calgary).
The Heat's win tonight marks the first time that UBC Okanagan has come out on top of the Spartans in the 21 regular season games the two have played in Canada West action.
Heat Head Coach Brad Hudson had this to say about the team's historic win: "I've always been exceptionally proud of our group […] I'm just happy on a night like tonight that everybody gets to see what I've thought for a while. […] That's really what tonight is for me is letting those guys put themselves on display and have people realizing how hard they work and the character and ability that they have."
"There was obviously really good energy but there was, more importantly, a sense of purpose with everything that they were trying to do and obviously [the Spartans] still made some really good plays but our guys just did a good job of staying the course."
Vanderveen, hitting an impressive .348, would contribute 14-points to lead the Heat in their historical victory, adding 11 kills, two digs, and four blocks. Carlson would be close behind, adding six kills, three digs, and two blocks for the hosting squad. Graduating senior Max Heppell would also have a notable performance for the Heat, hitting .667 with five kills, one ace, and five digs. If Heppell adds just two more service aces in tomorrow's game, he will earn the record for the most service aces in a single season for the Heat.
The Spartans would be led by Henry Rempel (Swift Current, Sask.) with 13.5 points, adding 12 kills and five blocks. Rempel's efforts would be furthered by Isaiah Olfert (Winnipeg) who contributed eight kills, one service ace, and three digs in the losing effort. With first place in the West division secure, Trinity Western only brought one starter for the games against the Heat.
With the victory, UBCO moves to 8-7 on the season, one win off their team record for most wins in a single Canada West season set back in 2016-17. Meanwhile, the Spartans see their perfect season end as they fall to 14-1.
UBCO also locked up third place in the West division with the victory. As a result, the Heat will travel to Winnipeg for their opening-round playoff tournament next weekend where they will take on the Winnipeg Wesmen, Calgary Dinos and Manitoba Bisons.
The Heat and Spartans will be back in the Furnace on Saturday, February 26 for the final regular season game. UBCO will honour their four graduating seniors, Heppell, Funk, Morgan Nichols and Eli Risso, prior to the game with the ceremony starting no earlier than 5:10 p.m. The game will follow at 6 p.m.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the front gate and all action can be watched live on CanadaWest.tv presented by Co-op.
