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University of British Columbia Okanagan

UBCO middle Ali Rathlef hits an attack during action against the Trinity Western Spartans at the UBCO Gymnasium.
Will Thompson
1
University of British Columbia Okanagan OK 5-13,5-13
3
Winner Mount Royal University MRU 4-12,4-12
University of British Columbia Okanagan OK
5-13,5-13
1
Final
3
Mount Royal University MRU
4-12,4-12
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 F
University of British Columbia Okanagan OK 15 25 29 16 (1)
Mount Royal University MRU 25 20 31 25 (3)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball |

Rathlef records career-high in kills but Heat fall in four to MRU

Ali Rathlef had 12 of UBCO's 54 kills on Saturday night but it wasn't enough to lead the Heat to a win in Calgary

CALGARY, Alta. — The UBCO Heat women's volleyball team (5-13) suffered a four-set loss to the Mount Royal Cougars (4-12) on Saturday with final scores of 15-25, 25-20, 29-31, 16-25. 

Despite the loss, UBCO recorded 54 kills and a .341 hitting percentage.

Ali Rathlef led the way for the Heat with a career-high 12 kills on 18 attempts, achieving a .500 hitting percentage and collecting six digs in the process. Madison Gardner contributed 10 kills with a .444 hitting percentage, also adding two digs and one block assist, marking the third time in the last five games she has recorded 10-plus kills. Natalie Funk led the team in scoring with 16 kills and 17.5 total points, while also posting 13 digs and two total blocks. This was the third time in the last four games that Funk has recorded 16-plus kills in a match.

Mya Morgan stood out for Mount Royal with a team-high seven total blocks, complementing her performance with seven kills on a .700 hitting percentage. Faith Obasi made a significant impact from the service line, delivering five aces, while also contributing six total blocks.

Both teams got off to solid starts on both sides of the net, trading points through the early rallies. Mount Royal received strong contributions from Mya Morgan and Aurora Bentrim, while UBCO was paced by Korey Jenkins and Funk. The Cougars created separation midway through the set, building a four-point lead at 17–13 and pulled away from there to claim the opening frame.

UBCO showed resilience early in the second set, jumping out to a 10–6 advantage. The Cougars responded with a pair of timely kills to trim the deficit to one, but Funk answered back to keep the Heat in front at 17–15. Rathlef found her rhythm down the stretch, extending UBCO's lead to 24–19 as the visitors closed out the set 25–20 to even the match. 

Mount Royal set the tone early in the third set, as Obasi delivered back-to-back service aces to give the Cougars an 11–6 lead and force an early UBCO timeout. The Heat clawed back behind Funk and Rathlef, eventually regaining the lead late at 20–18. MRU responded once again, pulling ahead 24–22, but UBCO answered with two quick points to force extra points. 

The teams traded points deep into the set before Mount Royal held firm, edging out a 31–29 win to reclaim the match lead. 

Sydney Scatcherd helped the Cougars get off to a strong start in the fourth set, sparking an early 5–1 lead. Mount Royal maintained control throughout the frame, applying steady offensive pressure and limiting UBCO's opportunities to mount a response. The Heat attempted to close the gap late, but MRU stayed composed through the closing rallies. The Cougars closed out the set 25–18, securing the 3–1 victory.

Looking ahead, the Heat will enjoy a bye weekend before taking on the U SPORTS No. 2-ranked UBC Thunderbirds on Friday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. to open up their final weekend of the regular season. 

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