REGINA, Sask. — The UBCO Heat women's volleyball team (1-1) defeated the Regina Cougars (2-2) in four sets on Saturday evening at CKHS, securing a 3-1 victory by scores of 25-21, 16-25, 25-23, 25-16. UBCO's offence was highlighted by their 11 service aces, while their defence shone with 44 digs and seven blocks.

Kylan Finseth led the Heat with 40 assists and added five digs in four sets. Natalie Funk contributed 10 kills and four blocks, amassing a total of 13.5 points. Marija Josipovic recorded 12 kills and two block assists, finishing with 14 total points. Rachel Rosser served three aces and collected four kills, contributing 7.5 points to the team's performance.

UBCO began the first set with a strong start, quickly establishing a 5-1 lead, highlighted by Josipovic's two kills, both assisted by Finseth. Despite Regina's attempt to close the gap, the Heat maintained their momentum, with Kirsten Hill contributing a service ace, pushing their lead to 20-15. As Regina mounted a late rally, narrowing the score to 24-21, a decisive kill by Funk secured the set for the Heat with a final score of 25-21.

The team showed strong early momentum in the second set with Josipovic and Sydney Matthews each securing key kills, helping the team to an initial lead. Despite a service error by Hill tying the score at 5-5, UBCO maintained competitive pressure thanks to kills from Finseth and Funk. Regina responded by capitalizing on UBCO's attack errors, leading to a series of points that put them ahead 11-7. The Heat attempted to regain footing, utilizing timeouts and substitutions, but Regina continued to press, extending their lead to 19-13. UBCO managed to add kills from Madison Gardner and Faith Solecki, yet Regina closed out the set with a decisive 25-16 finish.

UBCO capitalized on a series of Regina errors to build momentum in the third set, with Josipovic and Funk contributing key kills to extend the early lead. Finseth consistently set up her teammates, recording multiple assists, including a pivotal setup for Hill's kill at 15-9. Regina attempted to rally late, tying the score at 22, but the Heat responded with a decisive kill by Funk, followed by an attack error from Regina's Anna Schultz to close the set. UBCO secured the set 25-23.

Hill's early performance, including a kill set up by Finseth, propelled UBCO to a swift 3-0 lead in the fourth set. Regina struggled with errors, contributing to UBCO's advantage. Finseth played a pivotal role, delivering multiple assists and a service ace, helping the Heat reach a commanding 12-2 lead, prompting Regina to call two timeouts in an effort to regain composure. 

Despite Regina's brief rally, closing the gap to 13-6, UBCO maintained control, with Gardner and Funk adding crucial kills. As the set progressed, UBCO capitalized on Regina's service errors and continued to build momentum. Rosser's service ace and Josipovic's consistent play sealed the set, with UBCO securing a 25-16 victory and taking the match in four sets.

Looking ahead, the Heat will return home for their home opener to face the Alberta Pandas at the UBCO Gymnasium in Kelowna, B.C. The match is set for Friday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.

Game Notes:
- Josipovic set a new career-high for kills in a match with 12
- Sydney Matthews set a new career-high for digs in a match with 12
- Kirsten Hill tied her career-high for digs in a match with eight
- Finseth's 40 assists were one off her single match career high with the Heat