KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBC Okanagan Heat women's volleyball team were dominant from the opening serve on Saturday evening at the UBCO Gymnasium as they won in straight sets (25-8, 25-18, 25-16) to sweep their weekend doubleheader against the MacEwan Griffins.
The Heat roared out of the gate thanks to an impressive serving performance. UBCO fired eight aces in the opening set, including four from transfer setter
Kylan Finseth of St. Albert, Alta., as part of an 8-0 run, as the Heat jumped out to the early advantage.
The second set started out similarly to the first with an 11-4 run by the Heat forcing the Griffins into an early timeout.
Olivia Boulding of Victoria, and
Natalie Funk of Strathmore, Alta., were at the heart of the Heat's attack, each posting a pair of kills in the early barrage.
A late run in the from MacEwan got them to within four points but Boulding secured the set late, with a pair of kills and an ace to give UBCO a 2-0 lead.
The final frame saw the two teams exchange runs through the first part of the set but a shrewd timeout from head coach
Steve Manuel, with his team leading 18-15, ultimately swung the set in the Heat's favour. UBCO would close on 7-1 run thanks to two kills and an ace from
Amaya Perry of Chin, Alta., to take the match in three.
Boulding and Perry led the onslaught for the Heat as both posted 11 kills in the win, while the pair were also strong defensive, recording 12 and 10 digs respectively.
Boulding added four aces to finish with 15 points while Perry had a pair of her own to finish with 13.
Second-year middle
Marija Josipovic of West Kelowna, B.C., was strong in a supporting role, finishing with three kills and tying for the team lead in blocks with three.
Alyshia Bryks of Andrew, Alta., was the Griffins top performer with six kills and 10 points.
With the win, UBCO moves to 2-0 on the season as they sit tied for third place in the Canada West standings with UFV and Thompson Rivers. Meanwhile, the Griffins loss drops them to 0-4.
UBCO will now prepare for their Presidents' Cup weekend against the Thompson Rivers WolfPack as the two Interior B.C. rivals square off in Kamloops. The Heat lead the women's Presidents' Cup standings with a 2-0-0 record and could potentially clinch the trophy this weekend with women's basketball also in action against the WolfPack this week.
Game one of the weekend doubleheader is set for Friday, November 1 at 7:15 p.m. and fans can catch all the action live on CanadaWest.tv.
