‘Birds begin 2025 with big win over Heat

KELOWNA, B.C. – The U SPORTS No. 7-ranked UBC Thunderbirds (8-3) began the new year the same way they finished 2024, with a decisive win. The T-Birds took down the UBCO Heat (6-5) by a score 3-1 on Friday at UBCO Gymnasium. The game was a clash between sister-school rivals, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition.

The ‘Birds fell in the first set, before roaring back to win three in a row and earn their sixth straight victory. UBC is on a nine match win streak against their Okanagan opponents, and now hold a 33-6 record against UBCO dating back to 2010.

Gavin Moes and Reeve Gingera were a two-headed monster leading the UBC attack, racking up 17 and 15 kills respectively. Mason Greves continues to add to his gaudy numbers as a setter this season, tallying 41 assists in the win. First-year Alex Emery paced the T-Birds with three blocks.
 

The Heat edged out the Thunderbirds in the first set, finishing with a score of 25-20. UBCO capitalized on effective teamwork, overcoming errors with a series of key blocks and service aces, which helped maintain their lead despite a strong offensive effort from Moes and Gingera.

The second set was a back and forth affair that eventually went the way of the ‘Birds 27-25. Moes powered the UBC offence for much of the frame, earning a sterling five kills. However, it was Gingera who came up big when it matter most, getting back to back clutch kills in extra points to take the win and turn the momentum of the match.

In the third, UBC secured a 25-15 victory over UBCO. The visiting team demonstrated strong offensive performance with Moes contributing multiple kills and a service ace, while Gingera also added several kills. 

UBC would wrap up the victory with a 25-17 set win in the fourth. The ‘Birds service power was on full display in the final stanza, as the team added a number of demoralizing blocks to seal the match victory.

With the win, the T-Birds remain in third place in Canada West, while the Heat continue to hold on to sixth place.

The two campus rivals will close out their weekend doubleheader on Saturday afternoon, when they rematch at the UBCO Gymnasium starting at 4 p.m. (PT). Stream all of the action, live or on demand, on Canada West TV.