KELOWNA, B.C. — The U SPORTS No. 7-ranked UBCO Heat men's volleyball team (5-1) earned their second weekend sweep of the season on Saturday as they won in straight sets over the MacEwan Griffins (0-6), 25-18, 25-13, 25-14, at the UBCO Gymnasium. The home team recorded a .476 hitting percentage and tallied eight blocks in the decisive victory.

Zach van Geel facilitated the offense with 35 assists while also contributing three service aces and eight digs. Seba Manuel led the team with 14 kills on 24 attempts, achieving a .500 hitting percentage and adding 15 points. Thys Weststrate was effective at the net, recording 11 kills with a .647 hitting percentage, as well as seven digs. Lucas Woelders posted six kills and was active defensively with five digs and three total blocks.

Brendon Lord led the Griffins in points, contributing 8.0 with seven kills on 30 attempts, alongside two block assists.

The Heat opened the first set with a commanding performance, securing a 25-18 win over MacEwan. The home team capitalized on MacEwan's errors, including multiple attack and service mistakes by Fabian Breitenbach, while van Geel's setting facilitated key kills for Weststrate and Manuel. UBCO's effective blocking, highlighted by Xander Van Driel, further disrupted the visitors' offence. Despite a few service errors, UBCO maintained control, closing the set with a decisive attack error by Breitenbach.

UBCO capitalized on the Griffins' attack errors and service issues to secure a 25-13 victory in the second set. After trading early points, UBCO pulled ahead with a critical series of attack errors by MacEwan, contributing to a 9-5 advantage. The home team continued to build momentum with efficient distribution from van Geel, who assisted on multiple kills, resulting in a strong finish by scoring 11 of the final 15 points.

The third set was much of the same from the nationally-ranked Heat who secured the final frame decisively with a 25-14 win, driven by consistent offensive contributions. Manuel recorded multiple kills, benefiting from van Geel's steady setting, while van Geel also added two service aces late in the set. UBCO capitalized on MacEwan's errors, which included several attack and service errors, to maintain their lead throughout the set.

Looking ahead, the Heat will head on the road to take on the UFV Cascades on Friday, November 14. First serve is set for 6 p.m. and the match can be seen live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.

Game Notes:
- Palanca's nine digs were a season-best for the transfer from McMaster
- For the sixth time in his career, Weststrate recorded zero errors in a match when attempting at least 10 attacks
- Manuel's 14 kills moved him into a tie for second in Canada West with 84 on the season