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University of British Columbia Okanagan

UBCO outside hitter Xander van Driel receives a serve during action against the Alberta Golden Bears at the UBCO Gymnasium.
Kaczur Photography
3
Winner University of Alberta ALB 3-1,3-1
1
University of British Columbia Okanagan BCO 3-1,3-1
Winner
University of Alberta ALB
3-1,3-1
3
Final
1
University of British Columbia Okanagan BCO
3-1,3-1
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 F
University of Alberta ALB 25 25 19 25 (3)
University of British Columbia Okanagan BCO 17 22 25 23 (1)

Game Recap: Men's Volleyball |

Men's volleyball settles for split with second-ranked Alberta

Heat nearly rally to force a fifth set but ultimately fall in four to Golden Bears

KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat men's volleyball team (3-1) put together a strong blocking performance on Saturday, recording 12 blocks, helping push the match to four sets before falling to the U SPORTS No. 2-ranked Alberta Golden Bears (3-1) at the UBCO Gymnasium.  

Set scores were 17-25, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19 and 23-25 25-23. 

Zach van Geel recorded 37 assists and added seven digs while contributing three total blocks to lead the way for UBCO. Seba Manuel tallied 14 kills and two service aces, finishing with 16.5 points. Thys Weststrate led defensively with six total blocks and added seven kills. Ashton South posted a hitting percentage of .429 with four kills on seven attempts.

Owen Harris led Alberta with a strong defensive presence, recording six total blocks across four games. Luke Weddell was instrumental in setting up his teammates, amassing 37 assists and contributing four service aces. Matt Shand was a key offensive player with 15 kills and accumulated a team-high 18.5 points. Jacob Sargent also made a significant impact with 16 kills and 17.5 points, showcasing his ability to score efficiently.

The Golden Bears prevailed in the first set, capitalizing on strong blocking to secure a 25-17 victory. Alberta's offence was fueled by Shand and Trent Cherewaty, who combined for several crucial kills, while Weddell consistently set up scoring opportunities. Despite service aces from the Heat, Alberta maintained control, closing the set with a decisive run.

In a tightly contested second set, Alberta emerged with a 25-22 victory over UBCO, bolstered by a series of crucial service aces. Harris and Weddell each delivered aces that contributed to an early lead, while Weddell's setting facilitated multiple kills, including four from Sargent. Despite a strong performance from Manuel, who recorded several key kills and blocks, UBCO ultimately was unable to close the gap.

The Heat opened the third set with a powerful 4-0 run, capitalizing on two Alberta attack errors and a kill by van Driel. Despite a mid-set surge by Alberta that narrowed the lead, UBCO maintained control with crucial blocks by Weststrate and Lucas Woelders, eventually securing the set 25-19. Van Geel's consistent setting contributed significantly, assisting in key kills throughout the frame.

UBCO fell in a tight fourth set, 25-23, against Alberta as a series of attack errors in the latter stages proved costly. Despite Van Geel's contribution of multiple assists, including setting up Weststrate and van Driel for crucial kills, Alberta capitalized on key moments with Sargent delivering decisive kills. Alberta's blocking, particularly from Cherewaty and Shand, stifled UBCO's offence at critical junctures, ultimately sealing the set.

Up next for the Heat is a home match against the MacEwan Griffins on Friday, Nov. 7. First serve is set for 5:30 p.m. at UBCO Gymnasium and tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.
 
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