KELOWNA, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's volleyball team put together one of their best performances of the season as they defeated the Regina Cougars in straight sets, 25-18, 25-21, 25-16, on Friday night at the UBCO Gymnasium.

Madison Gardner led the team with a .476 hitting percentage, amassing a career-high 11 kills and contributing 14 points, earning her the title of Player of the Game. Amaya Perry was a key player with a team-high 12 kills, a .200 hitting percentage and two aces putting her third for all-time aces in Canada West history.

In the first set, the Heat demonstrated strong offensive plays, notably from Amaya Perry, who secured multiple kills with assists from Kylan Finseth. A key turning point occurred as the team went on a scoring streak to push a four point lead making the score 8-4 in favour of the home team. The Heat maintained their lead with consistent scoring, including a service ace by Finseth at 13-6 and another by Perry at 16-8, ultimately concluding the set with a 25-18 victory over the Cougars. Perry was particularly strong in the opening set, recording nine of her 12 kills in the match.

UBCO began the second set with a strong showing from  Gardner, who recorded a service ace at 3-3 and multiple kills throughout the set, including the decisive point at 25-21. Finseth proved instrumental with assists and a service ace at 23-20. Despite an early lead by the Cougars, the Heat's strategic play and Gardner's final kill secured the set victory.

The third set began with Gardner and Olivia Boulding each putting up kills, to secure an early 3-1 lead.  Perry's service ace and Natalie Funk's brick wall blocking during a streak of consecutive points extended their lead to 11-3. Despite a brief rally from Regina, Boulding's final kill sealed the set and game for the home team.

The Heat improve to 5-12 on the season while the Cougars drop to 4-15. The victory moves the Heat to within a game of 10th place Calgary for the final playoff spot in the conference.

UBCO are back at home again tomorrow night as they face the  Cougars again while they continue their push for a playoff berth.  Tomorrow night is also Graduating Seniors Night where the Heat will recognize Sarah Hall, Amaya Perry, Tessa Ivans and Olivia Tymkiw and all their contributions to the women's volleyball program following the match. First serve is set for 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door on game day.