ABBOTSFORD, B.C. —  The UBCO Heat women's volleyball team (3-5) faced a tough match against the U SPORTS No. 10-ranked UFV Cascades (5-3), falling in straight sets on Saturday evening at the UFV Athletics Centre.

Natalie Funk shone for the Heat with a team-high of 11.5 points, powered by her seven kills and three service aces, alongside three block assists. Faith Solecki added six kills on 16 attempts, wrapping up with six points. Kylan Finseth was at the helm with 17 assists while Madison Gardner contributed four kills and two block assists.

For UFV, Lauren Attieh led with 10 kills on 26 attempts, hitting at a .308 percentage, while also adding 11 digs and 2 service aces. 

UFV controlled the opening set, taking advantage of service errors to clinch a 25-10 win. Despite Finseth's efforts, assisting on four kills, UBCO struggled to find rhythm. UFV's Lauren Attieh spearheaded the attack with decisive kills while Cailin Bitter's precise assists guided UFV's efficient offensive flow.

In the second set, the Heat were able to keep the score close, eventually evening up the set at 14 after a series of successful plays, including a block by Gardner and Korey Jenkins. Nonetheless, UFV's steady play, highlighted by Bitter's assists leading to crucial kills, secured their 25-21 win in the set.

UBCO fought back from an early deficit in the third set, showcasing a strong mid-set rally, highlighted by Funk's consecutive service aces that tied the score at 12-12. Despite UBCO's valiant efforts, including a late 20-19 lead after kills by Jenkins and Gardner, UFV capitalized on service errors and attack missteps to claim a 25-22 victory. 

Looking ahead, the Heat will take on the Thompson Rivers WolfPack on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The match will be held at UBCO Gymnasium in Kelowna, B.C. and will see UBCO enter the women's Presidents' Cup showdown holding a 2-0-1 lead in the series.

Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.