BRANDON, Man. - A three-set battle fell in favour of the Brandon Bobcats on Saturday as the UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball team finished up a four-game road swing.
In the first set of the night, UBCO went on a three-point streak right out of the gate and kept the pressure on high but a kill from Riley Grusing of Bragg Creek, Alta., followed by a service ace from Philipp Lauter of Wiesbaden, Germany in the final points of the set sealed the deal giving the Bobcats a first set victory.
In the second set, the Heat put together their best offensive performance of the match, firing 10 kills, including four from
Renn Petryk, from Edmonton, who returned to the court this weekend following an injury. The third-year outside hitter provided a boost to the Heat's attack as he finished the weekend with 15 kills.
However, despite Petryk's return, the Heat were unable to claim a set from the highly-skilled Bobcats who took the weekend series to improve to 13-5 and move into second in the Canada West conference.
TOP PERFORMERS
Cade Hudson - UBCO Heat
The third-year setter put up 18 assists tonight, four digs, three kills, and three blocks, proving key to his team's efforts against the Bobcats.
Liam Pauls - Brandon Bobcats
Sophmore outside hitter Liam Pauls of Balmoral, Man., led both teams in service aces in the match, earning five, all of which were in the second set. He would add six kills to finish the match with 11 points.
UP NEXT
The Heat will enjoy a bye weekend next week as they get to rest and recharge before they host the UFV Cascades on February 9th and 10th for their final weekend at home for the season.
