WINNIPEG, MAN. - The UBCO Heat fell to the Winnipeg Wesmen in a five-set match 18-25, 25-20, 15-25, 25-21, 11-15 on Saturday night  at the Duckworth Centre in Winnipeg, MB.

Thys Weststrate was a standout performer for the Heat, leading the team with 17 points and putting up seven blocks. Mika Feilberg impressed with ten points and eight kills, achieving season bests in both categories all while maintaining an attack percentage of .312.

In the first set  Zach van Geel was a key player, contributing assists on seven kills. Despite leading initially, UBCO couldn't maintain the momentum, with key blocks from Winnipeg's defense halting their advances.

The Heat secured a 25-20 victory over the Winnipeg Wesmen in the second set. Mika Fielberg led the team with four kills, while Thys Weststrate also put up three. The team capitalized on the Wesmen's service errors, which accounted for four points in the set, and delivered two service aces of their own.

In the third set despite a strong effort from Seba Manuel, who recorded multiple kills, the Heat struggled with offensive execution, facing several blocks and attack errors. Jaxon Rose of the Wesmen accumulated three service aces early on, helping his team establish a commanding lead that UBCO could not overcome.

In the fourth set, the Heat secured a 25-21 victory with Thys Weststrate and Seba Manuel, each contributing crucial kills. Blocks played a significant role in the Heat's success, with James Helfrick and Mika Feilberg teaming up effectively at the net.

In the fifth set, UBCO managed to secure 11 points but ultimately fell to the Winnipeg Wesmen who took the game in five. Despite the loss UBCO's Zach van Geel was instrumental, assisting on five kills, and James Helfrick contributed defensively with two blocks. 

The Heat's conference record sits at 9-11 and the team will now advance to the play-in round of the Canada West playoffs. Stay tuned to GoHeat.ca and @UBCOHeat on socials for schedule information as it becomes available.