WINNIPEG — The Alberta Golden Bears will look for their third straight conference title after rallying to beat the UBC Thunderbirds in a Canada West semifinal Friday night at the Duckworth Centre.
Conference player of the year Isaac Heslinga had a team-high 14 kills and the Bears advanced to Saturday’s championship match with a 3-2 (27-25, 16-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-10) win over the Thunderbirds in the second semifinal of the conference Final Four.
The Bears will attempt to win three CW titles in a row against the hometown Winnipeg Wesmen, who beat Saskatchewan earlier in the night in the first semifinal.
The Thunderbirds will draw the Huskies in a do-or-die bronze medal match with the conference’s final berth at nationals on the line.
On Friday, Alberta turned the tides with an inspired defensive effort that left UBC frustrated. The Thunderbirds hit .097 in the fourth after having attacked at .278 through the first three sets.
“We take a lot of pride in defence and UBC is one of the best in the country at defending the ball, so being able to battle with them in that part of the game is an important part of who we want to be as a team,” Alberta head coach Brock Davidiuk said. “I was really happy the defensive effort.”
Matt Shand added 12 kills for the Bears, who attacked at .227 for the match.
The Thunderbirds were led by Reeve Gingera’s match-high 16 kills and nine digs. Gavin Moes added 13 kills and Kieran Robinson-Dunning 11. Dawson Pratt had a match-high 13 digs.
UBC hit .239 for the match.