KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat fell to the U SPORTS No. 7-ranked UBC Thunderbirds 3-1 on Friday at UBCO Gymnasium. The game was a clash between sister-school rivals, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition.
The Heat had a number of standout performances in the match, including
Thys Weststrate who stood out with a team-high of five total blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Seba Manuel led in scoring with 11.0 points, supported by his 10 kills and a serving ace.
Zach van Geel was a critical playmaker, recording 29 assists and maintaining an attack percentage of .333.
Ashton South was notable for his efficiency in attack, achieving a .438 hitting percentage along with three total blocks. His performance was so impressive that it earned him player of the game honours.
The Heat edged out the Thunderbirds in the first set, finishing with a score of 25-20. UBCO capitalized on effective teamwork, with van Geel contributing multiple assists, including setting up kills for
Lucas Woelders and Manuel. The home team overcame errors with a series of key blocks and service aces, which helped maintain their lead despite a strong offensive effort from UBC's Reeve Gingera and Gavin Moes.
The second set was a back and forth affair that eventually went the way of the Thunderbirds 27-25. South and Woelders led the home team with three kills each, while Weststrate contributed significantly with three blocks. Despite a strong performance from van Geel, who assisted on seven plays, a late run from the visitors gave them the frame to even up the match.
In the third, UBC secured a 25-15 victory over UBCO. The visiting team demonstrated strong offensive performance with Moes contributing multiple kills and a service ace, while Gingera also added several kills.
UBC would wrap up the victory with a 25-17 set win in the fourth. Despite not being able to extend the match to five sets, Manuel and South each contributed kills that kept the team competitive. However, it was not enough to overcome the efficiency and service power of the visiting team, who capitalized on multiple service aces and blocks. Notably,
Mika Feilberg made his first career appearance for the Heat in this match, coming on for his first action in the final frame.
With the win, the Thunderbirds improve to 8-3 on the season while the Heat fall to 6-5. UBC remains in third place in the Canada West conference while UBCO continues to hold on to sixth place.
The two campus rivals will close out their weekend doubleheader on Saturday afternoon, January 11, when they rematch at the UBCO Gymnasium starting at 4 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the door on game day.
