KELOWNA, B.C. - In the first match of the new year, the UBC Okanagan Heat Women's volleyball team, led by the efforts of
Amaya Perry, took down the Brandon Bobcats in a decisive three-set victory on Friday afternoon in the Furnace.
The Heat, who were hosting a School Day Game featuring nearly 400 elementary school children from Rutland Middle School, Anne McClymont Elementary School and Springvalley Middle School, picked up their second straight victory to move back above .500 for the season.
The first set would be evenly matched with no more than a three-point difference between the two squads. Late in the set, and facing set point, the Heat would find a burst of energy as
Abigail Dueck (Winnipeg) added two back-to-back serving aces, followed by a kill by
Sydney Grills (Vancouver, B.C.) for a 26-24 finish.
Carrying the momentum from the first,
Amaya Perry (Chin, Alta.) fired back-to-back kills as the Heat went on a four-point run to take the lead early in the second set. The Heat would refuse to relinquish their lead, continuing on to take the set 25-20 after a service ace from Grills.
Using their blocks to their advantage in the third, the Heat found an early seven-point lead which ultimately led them to their three set victory, 25-18.
Amaya Perry would once again be a key piece in the Heat attack as she found back-to-back aces. Adding to the efforts, Grills and
Natalie Funk (Strathmore, Alta.) would find block after block to deny the Bobcats offence.
TOP PERFORMERS
Amaya Perry – UBCO
The 5-11 outside hitter would be a driving force in the Heat's victory, adding 10 kills, three service aces, and eight digs for a total of 13.5 points. Perry would also hit an impressive .455 to lead the team.
Keely Anderson – Brandon
The Outlook, Sask., product would lead her team in the losing effort, adding nine kills, five aces, and 16 digs in her 14-point performance.
WHERE THEY SIT
The Heat now improve their record to 7-6 on the season as they continue to sit seventh in the Canada West conference after the three-set victory. The Bobcats, meanwhile, remain winless on the season.
UP NEXT
The two squads will be back in action Saturday afternoon at The Furnace with the match set to start at 3 p.m. Tickets for the game will be available at the door on game day.
