KELOWNA, B.C. — Powered by a performance to remember from fifth-year setter Zach van Geel, the U SPORTS No. 3-ranked UBCO Heat men's volleyball team (14-2) got past the No. 2-ranked Trinity Western Spartans (13-3) in a thrilling five-set match, claiming victory 25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 26-28, 15-11 at the UBCO Gymnasium on Saturday night. 

The Heat's efficient attack was highlighted by a .538 hitting percentage in the opening set, setting the tone for their hard-fought win. With a season-high 63 kills, this marks the fifth-most the Heat have ever recorded in a Canada West match.

On a night where he was honoured pre-game as a Graduating Senior, alongside Stephen Searcy and Kyle Robertson, van Geel recorded 49 assists, a personal best in any regular season game of his Heat career, and added five service aces, the second-most in a single game in UBCO history. 

Also leading the way was Seba Manuel, who posted 17 kills and contributed 19 points, showcasing his effectiveness on the attack. Thys Weststrate matched a career-high with 17 kills and led with a total of 22 points, while also tallying seven total blocks. Xander van Driel completed the match with 16 kills and amassed 17 points, playing a crucial role in the offensive efforts.

Kaden Schmidt led Trinity Western, contributing significantly with 23 kills and 24 points across five sets, making him the top scorer for the team. Anselm Rein provided a strong playmaking presence with 44 assists and added two service aces. Cory Schoenherr was effective at the net, tallying a team-high five total blocks and contributing 11.5 points.

UBCO took control early in the first set with a strong start, capitalizing on multiple attack errors by Trinity Western to establish a lead. The Heat squad was efficient on the block, with Weststrate and Manuel contributing crucial defence, resulting in key points during a late run. Van Geel facilitated the offence with multiple assists, leading to a 25-18 set win, highlighted by a decisive service ace and a final kill by Lukas Woelders.

The Spartans capitalized on early momentum in the second set, building a 5-1 lead with a service ace and effective blocking, including two attack errors forced by Van Huizen and Schoenherr. UBCO struggled with consistency, committing six service errors, which contributed to their inability to close the gap despite Manuel's three kills. The set concluded with Trinity Western securing a 25-22 win, with Schmidt delivering the final point off an assist from Rein.

UBCO dominated the third set, capitalizing on a strong serving performance led by van Geel, who contributed three service aces. The home team effectively neutralized Trinity Western's attack with key blocks, including two consecutive blocks by van Geel on Kyden Dmitruk, which widened the lead. The Heat's offensive efforts were bolstered by van Driel's consistent kills, resulting in a 25-17 advantage by the end of the set.

In a tightly contested fourth set, UBCO and TWU exchanged leads frequently, culminating in a narrow 28-26 finish in favour of Trinity Western. UBCO capitalized on early momentum with service aces and crucial kills from Manuel and Weststrate, yet were offset by a series of service errors that allowed the Spartans to remain competitive. Despite the Heat's strong blocking efforts, Trinity Western's timely attacks, particularly from Schmidt and Zack Yewchuk, helped them edge out the set. 

The Heat claimed the fifth set 15-11, capitalizing on a series of attack errors by Trinity Western to maintain the edge. Key contributions came from Weststrate and Ashton South, who each registered multiple kills, while the defence was bolstered by timely blocks, including a decisive one by van Geel and South against Dmitruk. 

With the victory, the Heat maintain their hold on second-place in the Canada West conference, one win and two points up on the Spartans with four games remaining in the regular season. The UBC Thunderbirds (15-1) hold down first place in Canada West, six points up on UBCO.

UBCO will now hit the road as they travel to Calgary to take on the Mount Royal Cougars (6-8) on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. PT. 

Fans can catch the game live on CanadaWest.tv presented by BioSteel.