KELOWNA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's volleyball team (4-9) faced a nail-biting five-set match against the Calgary Dinos (6-5) on Friday night, with final scores of 25-20, 18-25, 22-25, 25-18, 13-15. UBCO's defence was formidable, recording 15 total blocks, though Calgary edged ahead with 51 kills.

Marija Josipovic delivered an exceptional performance, contributing 11 kills and nine total blocks, amassing 16.5 points. Kylan Finseth orchestrated the offence with precision, recording 36 assists throughout the match. Natalie Funk also shone at the net, matching Josipovic with nine total blocks and adding eight kills to her score.

Sophia Hansen led Calgary with 23.0 points, tallying 20 kills on 43 attempts and adding two service aces. Anya Fehr was pivotal in setting up the offence, contributing 34 assists across five games.

The Heat capitalized on Calgary's miscues to take the first set 25-20. UBCO gained from Calgary's six service errors and a crucial service ace by Josipovic, which boosted their mid-set momentum. Despite Calgary's Hansen landing several key kills, UBCO's blocking efforts, including a crucial block by Josipovic and Funk, kept the visitors at bay. The set wrapped up with UBCO clinching victory through a decisive service ace from Korey Jenkins.

Calgary turned the tide in the second set, leveraging a series of service aces and attack errors to secure a 25-18 win against UBCO. Calgary's Hansen delivered two consecutive aces, fueling a 7-3 run that established a commanding lead. Despite the Heat's efforts, highlighted by Josipovic's multiple kills, the Dinos maintained control with timely blocks and effective serving, sealing the set following a service error by UBCO.

In the third set, Calgary capitalized on six service errors from UBCO to capture a 25-22 advantage. Despite strong efforts from Faith Solecki, who delivered multiple kills, the Heat found it difficult to sustain momentum, allowing Hansen to land decisive kills at critical moments for the Dinos. Calgary's effective blocking and UBCO's attack errors contributed to the visitors' set win.

The Heat bounced back in the fourth set, capitalizing on Calgary's errors to win 25-18. Josipovic and Funk delivered crucial kills, benefiting from Finseth's sets to keep the momentum with the home team. Calgary's five service errors and multiple attack errors, including a critical ball handling error at 21-15, hampered their comeback attempts.

UBCO fell 15-13 in the decisive fifth set against Calgary. The set was marked by a key sequence where Calgary capitalized on a service ace and a series of kills to take a 12-8 lead, prompting two timeouts from UBCO. Despite a late surge with blocks from Finseth and Ali Rathlef, the Dinos clinched the final point on an attack error, sealing their victory.

Looking ahead, the Heat will rematch with the Calgary Dinos on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 4:30 p.m. on home court at the UBCO Gymnasium. Tickets for the game can be purchased at GoHeat.ca/Tickets.

Game Notes:
- Josipovic recorded a career-high nine block assists for UBCO, the second most in a five-set match in program history
- Funk matched her career-high with eight block assists, tying her for fourth all-time in team history in a five-set match