KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's volleyball team (5-10) fell to the U SPORTS No. 9-ranked Trinity Western Spartans (10-5) in a thrilling five-set match, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17, 21-25, 15-12, at UBCO Gymnasium on Friday evening.

UBCO recorded a season-high of 62 kills and 78 digs, while Trinity Western University posted 60 kills and 80 digs. 

Kylan Finseth directed the offence for the Heat with a career-high of 45 assists and contributed in defence with six total blocks. Natalie Funk led the scoring effort with a career-high total of 20 kills, three aces, and accumulated 24 points. Madison Gardner delivered a strong performance with 10 kills, three service aces, and finished with five total blocks. Ali Rathlef was efficient on the attack, recording a career-high 11 kills with a .440 hitting percentage and adding four total blocks. 

Maryn Boldon led Trinity Western with 23.0 points, registering 19 kills on 46 attempts for a hitting percentage of .283. She also contributed defensively with 12 digs and three total blocks. Kaylee Plouffe was another standout, achieving a .515 hitting percentage with 17 kills on 33 attempts and accumulating 21.0 points.

UBCO edged out Trinity Western in the first set, closing it 25-23. Despite an early 6-2 deficit due to effective serving from TWU, UBCO responded with a critical 9-1 run, featuring two service aces from Funk, turning the tide. Korey Jenkins contributed significantly with multiple kills, while the defensive efforts of Finseth and Rathlef led to key blocks that secured the set.

UBCO faced a challenging second set as the Spartans capitalized on a series of attack errors. Despite strong efforts from Funk, who recorded several key kills, UBCO's six attack errors contributed significantly to their 25-21 loss in the set. Trinity Western's Boldon was a driving force, delivering crucial kills that maintained their lead.

The Spartans capitalized on a series of attack errors and blocks to outscore UBCO 25-17 in the third set. Despite the home team's effort, highlighted by Marija Josipovic's three kills, service errors proved costly, contributing to the visitors' lead.  Boldon was instrumental for TWU with decisive kills, including the set-clinching point. The set ended with the visitors holding a 25-17 advantage.

UBCO capitalized on solid defensive plays and effective serving to secure a 25-21 victory in the fourth set. The Heat's early momentum was fueled by back-to-back blocks, including a crucial block by Gardner and Josipovic, which helped the hosts establish a 3-0 lead. Key contributions from Gardner, who recorded multiple kills, and Finseth's setting, which facilitated scoring opportunities, maintained UBCO's advantage. Despite a late push from TWU, service errors and UBCO's timely service aces, including a key ace by Rathlef, helped hold off the visitors.

Trinity Western secured a tight 15-12 victory in the fifth set, capitalizing on strong serving. Plouffe's consecutive kills and two service aces fueled a 6-0 run, putting TWU ahead 11-6. Despite a late surge from the Heat, featuring service aces from Gardner, the visitors maintained their lead to come away with the win.

Looking ahead, the two teams will wrap up their weekend doubleheader on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 4:30 p.m. Following the conclusion of the match, the Heat will recognize their three graduating seniors, Funk, Gardner and Chloe Ladd for their contributions to the program.

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