KELOWNA, B.C - Back on home court after a four-game road trip, the UBC Okanagan Heat women's volleyball team wrapped up the doubleheader School Day match-up against the Saskatchewan Huskies with a three set loss on Friday afternoon. 

Olivia Tymkiw, the left-side hitter from Coldstream, B.C., would get the Heat off to a quick start in the match with an early serving run, helping the Heat take a 5-0 lead. However, an early Huskie timeout swapped the momentum, and the Huskies quickly climbed their way back into the opening set.

Natalie Funk, hailing from Strathmore, Alta., would prove her worth as the player of the game for the Heat, tallying four kills and two blocks in the opening set. Despite the strong performance, UBCO fell short as the Huskies would ultimately take the set 19-25. 

With fresh legs to open the second set, Korey Jenkins, the first-year from Calgary, Alta, would lock down a pair of kills, to set the tone for the Heat. Holding pace, the Heat would hold the lead until another strategic timeout called by the Huskies, would break the Heat's momentum, allowing the Huskies to claim another set victory 23-25.

Despite the Heat's efforts, exchanging rally victories would not be enough as the Huskies would secure a crucial seven-point serving streak to conclude the match with another set win 18-25.

W?? | S3

Gardner with the PartyBall! ?? ??

0-2 #GoHeatGo #UBCOvsSASK pic.twitter.com/S98pAbCO2S

— UBCO Heat (@UBCOHeat) November 17, 2023

TOP PERFORMERS
Natalie Funk - UBCO
The third-year middle dominated at the net, nailing down four blocks, five kills with a .545 hitting percentage and a total of eight points for the Heat to earn Player of the Game honours.

Keely Anderson - Saskatchewan
The third-year outside hitter and product of Outlook, Sask., ran the Huskies offence, leading in kills with a game-high13, as well as finding an assist and four digs for a total of 13 points for the Huskies.

WHERE THEY SIT
Following the Friday afternoon loss, the Heat move to a 3-4 record in the Canada West standings, tied for eighth place, whereas the Saskatchewan Huskies are tied for fourth with a 5-2 record. 

UP NEXT
UBCO is back on home court on Saturday, November 18 to match up once more against the Saskatchewan Huskies to close off the weekend doubleheader. Game time is set for 3 p.m. at the UBCO Gymnasium and tickets for the match can be purchased at the door.