VANCOUVER - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's volleyball team put up a good fight against the U SPORTS No. 3-ranked UBC Thunderbirds on Friday evening at the War Memorial Gymnasium but it wasn't enough as they fell in straight sets.
The traveling Heat came out ready to compete, keeping the match within a two point deficit. Exchanging points back and forth wasn't enough as the Thunderbirds found a late six point stretch to take the opening set, 19-25.
Fired up from the previous set loss, Madison Gardner (Vernon, B.C.) put down two straight serving aces to set the tempo for the Heat's performance. Holding the lead, the Heat's offence dominated the second set, finding a total of four serving aces in the frame until the Thunderbirds once again found a string of late points to ultimately take the second set, 22-25.
The Thunderbirds, up by two sets, came out hungry for the third. Finding an early run of points, the Heat called a strategic time-out which allowed them to bounce back and close the gap between the two teams. Fighting for every point, the Thunderbirds grabbed the last two points to take the set 26-24 and the match.
TOP PERFORMERS
Madison Gardner - UBCO
The first-year middle hitter had one of her best games in a Heat uniform. Gardner dominated UBCO's attack, putting down six kills with a .455 hitting percentage, two blocks and five serving aces for a total of 12 points for the Heat.
Erika Vermette - UBC
The third-year outside hitter from Morris, Man., led the Thunderbirds with 14 points thanks to 12 kills, two blocks and an ace while adding nine digs.
WHERE THEY SIT
After the loss, the Heat fall to a 8-7 record in the Canada West standings, sitting eighth overall, whereas the Thunderbirds are now tied for top-spot in the conference at 13-2.
UP NEXT
The Heat stay on the road and return to the court on Saturday, January 14th, where they match up once again against their sister school, the UBC Thunderbirds. Game time is set for 5 p.m. and can be seen live on Canada West TV.
