T-Birds remain undefeated after sweeping the Heat 3-0

KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBC Thunderbirds cruised to their ninth straight sweep in getting past the UBCO Heat 3-0, 25-13, 25-14, 25-16, on Friday evening at the UBCO Gymnasium. The ‘Birds totalled 18 service aces to remain undefeated, improving to 11-0 on the Canada West campaign while the Heat fell to 4-7.
 
Akash Grewal led the way for the visitors with 11 kills and five service aces and Trinity Solecki added six kills to go along with five service aces and six digs. Lucy Borowski chipped in five kills while stepping up with a game high eight service aces and two digs.

Amaya Perry, led the Heat with 8.5 points, contributing six kills and two service aces.

Olivia Boulding also made a significant impact with six points, including five kills and two block assists. 

In the first set, the Heat quickly responded to an early 2-0 deficit with a service ace by Natalie Funk, leveling the score at 3-3. Perry played a crucial role in keeping the home team competitive, contributing three kills, including one after a timeout at 10-5. Despite efforts from Perry and Olivia Tymkiw, who added a timely kill at 17-11, UBC extended their lead with a series of service aces from Borowski, closing the set with a 25-13 advantage.

The second set began with the Heat securing an early lead, highlighted by a service ace from Tymkiw and a kill by Perry, bringing the score to 3-1. Boulding contributed significantly to the team’s attack, recording multiple kills with assists from Kylan Finseth. Despite these efforts, a strong performance by the Thunderbirds, particularly from Grewal and her multiple service aces, leading to a final score of 25-14 for the ‘Birds.

In the third set, the Heat started strong with Funk securing the first point through a kill assisted by Finseth. Perry’s two service aces and Olivia Boulding’s kills helped UBCO take a 7-3 lead. Despite a strong start, UBC capitalized with a series of service aces by Borowski and Trinity Solecki, leading to a 17-9 advantage. Marija Josipovic and Perry added points for UBCO late, but the Thunderbirds closed the set with a score of 25-16.

The two teams will close out their weekend doubleheader on Saturday evening, January 11, when they once again meet at the UBCO Gymnasium. First serve is set for 6 p.m. and tickets for the game can be purchased at the door on game day.