KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat Women's volleyball team put an end to their five-game losing skid on Saturday as they secured an impressive five-set victory over the No. 4-ranked UFV Cascades to split their weekend series.
After dropping a five-set decision on Friday night, the Heat came out firing on Saturday, thanks to the efforts of Jade Bussard (Red Deer, Alta.) and Amaya Perry (Chin, Alta.). The two combined for seven first-set kills and combined with some strong serving from Natalie Funk (Strathmore, Alta.), UBCO jumped out to the early lead with a 25-20 set win.
The host Cascades rebounded and showed why they've established themselves as a top team in Canada West this season. UFV would claim the next two sets to put them into a position to sweep the weekend series and extend their winning streak to 11 games.
However, UBCO dug deep in the fourth set and thanks to a pair of late kills from Sydney Grills (Vancouver), the Heat once again claimed the fourth set to send the match the distance for the second straight night.
Unlike Friday night, Saturday's fifth set would go the way of the Heat as UFV struggled with their attacks and UBCO would claim the set thanks to a closing ace from Olivia Tymkiw (Coldstream, B.C.).
TOP PERFORMERS
Jade Bussard – UBCO
For the second consecutive game, the outside hitter put up a fantastic performance, putting down a total of 16 kills and a serving ace, while recording 12 digs for a total of 18 points on Saturday night.
Lauren Attieh - UFV
The second-year outside hitter was dominant in the attacking position for the Cascades, finding a total of 18 kills, two assists, four blocks, 18 digs and a match high of 21 points.
WHERE THEY SIT
Thanks to their victory, the Heat move to 9-11 on the season as they remain in a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot in Canada West. Meanwhile, the Cascades see their 10-game winning streak come to an end as they drop to 14-6 for the year.
UP NEXT
The Heat return to the court this weekend to face the MacEwan Griffins at home on Friday evening. The match is set for 7 p.m. and tickets will be available at the door.
