KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball team struggled in their first match of 2023 as they lost in straight sets to the Brandon Bobcats on Friday morning at The Furnace.

The game was a School Day affair as UBCO welcomed nearly 400 elementary and middle school children from Springvalley Middle School, Anne McClymont Elementary School and Rutland Middle School.

However, the visiting Bobcats proved to be too much on the day for the Heat to handle. Despite the best efforts of middle Brady Cole of Clarenville, Nfld., who was named the Heat's player of the game, Brandon hit a sparkling .410 in the match to come away with the victory.
 
TOP PERFORMERS 
Brady Cole – UBCO
The 6-8 middle would lead the Heat in the match, hitting .455 with five kills. Cole would also tally two digs and two blocks in his seven-point performance.

Tom Friesen – Brandon
The outside hitter from Reinfeld, Man., led the Bobcats in their winning efforts, contributing 13.5 points including 12 kills, three digs, and one service ace.
                                                                                                                                       
WHERE THEY SIT
With the loss, the Heat's record now falls to 4-9 on the season while the Bobcats improve to 7-6.
 
UP NEXT
The two squads will be back in action on Saturday afternoon at The Furnace with the match set to start at 1 p.m. Tickets for the game will be available at the door prior to first serve.