KELOWNA, B.C. — The U SPORTS No. 3-ranked UBCO Heat men's volleyball team (13-2) fell to No. 2-ranked Trinity Western Spartans (13-2) in a thrilling five-set match, with final scores of 25-21, 25-27, 25-20, 15-25, 11-15. 

The match captivated a sell-out crowd of 850, fueling the electric atmosphere in the arena.

Seba Manuel led UBCO with 16 kills, adding a solo block and an ace, totaling 18.5 points. Zach van Geel orchestrated the offence with 45 assists, contributing significantly over five sets while also adding 10 digs and two blocks. Ashton South achieved a .615 hitting percentage with eight kills on 13 attempts, marking a season-high and demonstrating efficiency in the attack. Xander van Driel recorded 14 kills and two aces, amassing 16 points to bolster the team's performance.

Kaden Schmidt spearheaded Trinity Western with 23 kills, contributing to his 26 total points, despite committing 10 errors on 62 attempts for a .210 hitting percentage. Cory Schoenherr displayed efficiency with an attack percentage of .625, notching 11 kills on 16 attempts and leading defensively with seven total blocks. Anselm Rein directed the offensive play with 42 assists and was effective from the service line with six aces, complementing his 12 points. 

UBCO clinched the first set with a 25-21 victory over Trinity Western, capitalizing on the Spartans' service issues. Trinity Western committed six service errors, allowing UBCO to maintain their lead. Key contributions from Manuel, who recorded multiple kills, and effective blocking from van Geel and South, helped UBCO counter Trinity Western's attacks.

The second set was a nail-biter as Trinity Western edged UBCO 27-25. TWU capitalized on crucial service aces and blocks, with notable contributions from Schoenherr, who was instrumental in generating attack errors at pivotal moments. Despite van Geel's consistent playmaking, resulting in multiple kills for UBCO, including a decisive stretch in the late game, TWU's late rally sealed the set with Schmidt's final kills.

UBCO rode early momentum in the third set with a strong offensive display, capturing a 25-20 victory. Lucas Woelders contributed three early kills, while Manuel added three more throughout the set. Van Geel facilitated the attack with numerous assists, while Trinity Western struggled with service errors, conceding crucial points. Despite a late push from Schmidt with two consecutive service aces, UBCO held their lead to close the set.

The Spartans dominated the fourth set with a commanding 25-15 win, spurred by a string of service aces from Rein, who recorded four consecutive aces. UBCO struggled with attack and service errors, contributing to TWU's run. Despite van Geel's valiant efforts, who assisted several key kills, UBCO could not overcome TWU's defensive blocks and Rein's serving prowess.

The fifth set saw UBCO take an early 4-1 lead, aided by two attack errors from Schmidt. However, Trinity Western responded with a 6-0 run, including three kills by Schmidt, to shift the momentum and lead 7-6. Despite two late kills from van Geel, Trinity Western capitalized on several attack errors to close the set 15-11.

Looking ahead, the two nationally-ranked opponents will rematch on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the UBCO Gymnasium. Prior to warmup, the Heat will honour their three graduating seniors, including van Geel, Stephen Searcy and Kyle Robertson.

Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoHeat.ca/Tickets.