UBC Spoils Home Opener With Straight Sets Win

SASKATOON, Sask. – Despite a strong second-set showing and moments of offensive momentum, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies were unable to hold off the visiting UBC Thunderbirds, falling in straight sets Friday night (Oct. 30) in their 2026-27 home opener.

The opening set saw UBC establish its offensive rhythm early, building a 10-5 advantage and forcing Saskatchewan into a timeout. The Huskies looked to answer through Lucas Musschoot and Reuben Veith, while Mathieu Methot and Jacob Baird provided a physical presence at the net.

Saskatchewan continued to battle as the set progressed, with Musschoot finding the floor on multiple occasions and Baird adding timely kills. However, the Thunderbirds maintained their advantage, closing out the opening frame 25-18.

The Huskies came out with renewed intensity in the second set, quickly shifting the momentum in their favour. Saskatchewan jumped ahead 4-2 behind an aggressive offensive approach, highlighted by an early service ace from Ethan Berardocco.

The Dogs continued to apply pressure, extending their lead to 13–8 as Baird, Musschoot and Methot found success offensively. Saskatchewan’s strong play forced UBC into a pair of timeouts, but the Huskies showed no signs of slowing down, stretching their advantage to 18–11.

With Saskatchewan firmly in control, the Thunderbirds began mounting a comeback. UBC gradually chipped away at the deficit, eventually drawing even at 21-21. The Huskies answered to tie the set once more at 22-22, but the visitors claimed three consecutive points to steal the frame 25-22 and take a commanding 2-0 lead.

Needing a response to keep the match alive, Saskatchewan entered the third set looking to recreate the offensive success it found earlier in the evening. However, the Thunderbirds struck first, opening a 5-1 advantage before extending their lead to 11-5.

The Huskies continued to challenge UBC at the net, with Musschoot and Noah Hadwen combining for key blocks. Despite trailing through much of the frame, Saskatchewan refused to concede. Down 23-16 late in the set, the Dogs put together a three-point run, highlighted by a kill from Daniel Hermanson and a block from Hadwen and Court, cutting the deficit to 24-19.

The Thunderbirds ultimately delivered the final point, taking the third set 25-19 to complete the sweep.

The loss moves Saskatchewan to 2-2 in conference play, while UBC improves to 3-1.

The Huskies will have an opportunity to respond on Saturday, October 31, when they return to the PAC for the second match of their weekend series against the Thunderbirds.