KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBCO Heat men's volleyball team rose another spot in the U SPORTS Top 10 rankings on Monday as they now sit third in the country.
The Heat, who were on a bye this past weekend, currently sit in second place in the Canada West conference with a 13-1 record, trailing only the top-ranked UBC Thunderbirds (13-1) who hold top spot with 39 points compared to the Heat's 36.
UBCO's success continues to be fueled by the outstanding play of their starters. Kelowna natives
Thys Weststrate and
Seba Manuel sit first and second in key statistical categories for their positions. Weststrate, the fourth-year middle, ranks tops in Canada West in blocks per set this season at 1.43 while Manuel, the fourth-year outside hitter, ranks second in the conference in total kills with 193.
Meanwhile, fifth-year setter
Zach van Geel from Calgary ranks fourth in Canada West in assists per set at 9.27 and digs per set at 2.04.
Riding a 10-game winning streak, UBCO is set to host the second-ranked Trinity Western Spartans (12-2) in what promises to be an exciting weekend of action at the UBCO Gymnasium. The doubleheader against the Spartans, which opens on Friday at 7:30 p.m. followed by the rematch on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., marks the final regular season home games for the Heat.