REGINA, Sask. - Third-year outsider hitter Olivia Tymkiw tied a team record for most kills in a three-set match on Saturday afternoon as the UBC Okanagan Heat earned a weekend sweep over the Regina Cougars, securing a straight-sets victory 25-18, 25-17 and 26-24.

Tymkiw, who didn't start the match, dominated as soon as she entered the game early in the first quarter. The Coldstream, B.C., native would rack up a total of 19 kills on 43 attacks, while hitting .326 percent, as she led her team to victory.

The 19 kills tied the previous record for most kills in a three-set match set by Kaitlynn Given over 11 years ago, in October of 2013.

Looking to bounce back from Friday night's loss, the Cougars jumped out to an early lead in the opening set, finding a three point advantage over the Heat but it would be short-lived as the Heat found their rhythm thanks to a five-point serving streak from outside hitter Amaya Perry of Chin, Alta. Just two points later, middle Natalie Funk of Strathmore, Alta., would go on a five-point serving streak of her own, giving the Heat a comfortable lead as they cruised to the first set win.

The second set was much of the same story for the Heat. A crucial four-point serving run from Hellen Lacava of Mandaguari, Brazil, gave UBCO a six-point lead and they would control the set from there to take a commanding lead in the match.

The third set was where Tymkiw did the bulk of her damage. She would rack up an impressive nine kills in the set, as the Heat and Cougars traded blows throughout the frame.

Trailing 24-20, UBCO closed the match on an impressive 6-0 run, highlighted by three kills from Funk, before Tymkiw closed the match in style with her 19th kill to give UBCO the straight-sets win.

TOP PERFORMERS
Olivia Tymkiw - UBCO
The third-year outside hitter had the best match of her career on Saturday, besting her previous match-high of 13 kills, which she had accomplished twice already this season. Her 19 kills are also the second-most in a three-set Canada West match this season.

Bailey Balaberda - Regina
The third-year outside hitter and product of Regina, Sask., led the charge for the host Cougars, posting nine kills and seven digs on the evening.

WHERE THEY SIT
The win moves the Heat one step closer to securing a playoff berth as they are now 9-11 on the Canada West season, alone in seventh in the conference, one game ahead of both the Calgary Dinos and Saskatchewan Huskies. As for the Cougars, they fall to 1-19 on the campaign.

UP NEXT
After a four-game road trip, the Heat will return home to the UBCO Gymnasium for their final home weekend of the 2023-24 season. The action gets underway on Friday, February 9 when the team hosts their third annual Pride Night against the UFV Cascades. First serve is set for 5 p.m. and tickets for the game can be purchased at the door on game day.