KELOWNA, B.C. - The U SPORTS No. 7-ranked UBCO Heat men's volleyball team (4-1) secured a decisive 3-0 victory over the MacEwan Griffins (0-5) on Friday at UBCO Gymnasium, with set scores of 25-20, 25-14, 25-15. The Heat's strong offensive performance was highlighted by a .324 hitting percentage and 11 total blocks.

Thys Weststrate led the team with eight kills on 11 attempts, achieving a .636 hitting percentage while contributing five total blocks. Seba Manuel tallied seven kills and recorded three service aces, adding a total of 10.5 points to the team's effort. Zach van Geel directed the offence with 23 assists and added 11 digs along with four total blocks. Ashton South posted a .600 hitting percentage with three kills on five attempts and contributed four block assists.

Fabian Breitenbach was the top scorer for MacEwan with eight kills on 23 attempts, though he had four errors, resulting in a .174 hitting percentage.

The match began with UBCO establishing an early lead, capitalizing on a block by Weststrate and van Geel to secure the opening point. Manuel and Xander Van Driel contributed crucial kills, pushing the home team's advantage to 6-3. Despite MacEwan narrowing the gap to 15-13, UBCO responded with a decisive run, including two consecutive kills by Manuel, extending the score to 19-13. Weststrate added two more points, increasing the lead to 21-13. Although MacEwan rallied late in the set, the Heat maintained control, concluding the set with a 25-20 victory.

The Heat seized control in the second set with a decisive series of plays, highlighted by a strong performance from Manuel, who delivered multiple kills, including one from van Geel. Weststrate contributed with key blocks and kills, helping to maintain their lead. Despite efforts by MacEwan to rally, including a timeout at 15-10, consistent pressure and service aces from their opponents widened the gap. The set concluded with a ball handling error from MacEwan, leading to a 25-14 finish.

UBCO opened the third set with a decisive momentum, propelled by a series of effective plays from van Geel and Weststrate, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead. The Griffins struggled to contain the offensive pressure, allowing UBCO to extend their advantage. Despite intermittent pushback from the Griffins, which included a few service errors, UBCO maintained firm control, with Lucas Woelders and van Driel contributing key points. The set concluded with Manuel securing the final point, sealing a 25-15 victory for UBCO, which concluded the match.

Looking ahead, the Heat will face wrap up their weekend doubleheader with MacEwan on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. The match will take place at UBCO Gymnasium in Kelowna, B.C. and tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets. The game will also be available on CBCSports.ca or the CBC Gem app, and streamed on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.

Game Notes:
- The Heat extended their winning streak over MacEwan to three games.