KELOWNA, B.C - The UBC Okanangan Heat women's volleyball team tipped off their 2023-24 season on home court on Friday night with a four-set loss to the Winnipeg Wesmen, falling 22-25, 25-18, 15-25 and 24-26.

With the energy high inside the UBCO Gymnasium, the opening set was an entertaining affair that eventually went the way of Winnipeg. Despite dropping the first set to the Wesmen 22-25, third-year outside hitter Olivia Tymkiw was a force at the net, notching five kills and a serving ace. 

With the Heat trailing by just one point in the second set, Tymkiw showcased her skills with a four-point serving streak, helping her team not only close the deficit but also take the lead. After grabbing the advantage, Natalie Funk, hailing from Strathmore, Alberta, played a pivotal role in securing the Heat's set victory by contributing a pair of crucial kills, resulting in a score of 25-18.

After the third set went the way of the Wesmen, the fourth set was another heated battle between the two squads. Making their Heat debuts, the first-year pair of Marija Josipovic from West Kelowna, B.C., and Korey Jenkins from Calgary, helped UBCO make a late push to send the match to a fifth set. The two combined for timely blocks and delivered three essential kills, highlighting the team's promising potential for the season ahead. However, in the end, the visitors came out on top to secure the opening-night victory.

TOP PERFORMERS
Natalie Funk - UBCO Heat
The third-year middle from Strathmore, Alta., was a dominant player for the Heat, finishing with two blocks, five digs and nine kills with a .583 hitting percentage. 

Brooke Duncalfe - Winnipeg Wesmen
The Winnipeg product and first-year outside hitter led the Wesmen to victory, finding a total of 12 kills, four serving aces, a block and nine digs. 

WHERE THEY SIT
Following the Friday evening loss, the Heat sit at 0-1 in the Canada West standing,s whereas the Wesmen move to 1-0 to start the year.

UP NEXT
The Heat will be back on home court on Saturday, October 21st to match up once more against the Winnipeg Wesmen to wrap up the weekend doubleheadeder. The match is set for 6 p.m. and tickets will be sold at the door.