EDMONTON—A perfect record. A historic season. And now, a third straight championship.

For the third year in a row, the CIS Championships ended with the UBC women’s volleyball team on top of the podium, completing a 25–0 perfect season by defeating the Manitoba Bisons in four sets in the gold medal game (25–19, 19–25, 25–16, 25–22).

Head coach Doug Reimer credited the perfect season to the strength and depth of the team, and in particular their ability to play as a unit.

“In terms of chemistry, we’ve built a strong a group as any in the 20-plus years that I’ve [been coaching] and that helps you ride through some things,” he said after the game.

After a somewhat offensively shaky quarterfinal against St Mary’s and semifinal against Laval, the Thunderbirds’ core of power hitters were finally able to light up the scoreboard against the Bisons.

“The play of our power hitters was outstanding. That was the best one-two punch we have had all weekend,” Reimer said.

CIS MVP Liz Cordonier completed 13 kills on 28 attempts, while Shanice Marcelle completed 15 kills on 28 attempts. Marcelle, in her second year with the T-Birds, also led the team with 11 digs and two service aces, proving a formidable force no matter where she was on the court.

Team captain and graduating senior Katie Tyzuk had 49 assists and one ace, which happened to end the third set in favor of the ‘Birds.

“I have to learn to live life without volleyball, which is going to be a little weird. I’m definitely going to miss this team incredibly,” she said after the game.

“These guys are going to be really strong for the next few years; we have such a deep team with so many great younger players.”

“[Katie] executed our gameplan, and that’s really what you need a setter to do,”said Reimer.

Jen Hinze, who had 11 kills in the game, also said what an amazing experience the past five months have been for the team.

“The girls are just amazing; it’s like playing with the 15 best friends you could ever imagine,” she said.

The victory caps off a remarkable 15 months for UBC, which saw them win two national championships and forty consecutive games. Dominant all season, UBC only lost 13 sets all year—compared to 75 victories—and led the league in virtually all statistical categories.

With their seventh title, UBC ties Alberta and Winnipeg for most CIS titles in history, putting them them halfway to the all-time mark of six straight championships, held by both teams.
Jen Hinze, Shanice Marcelle and Liz Cordonier were named to the seven-person tournament all-star team,  getting the nod for outstanding play throughout, while Cordonier was also named tournament MVP.

Claire Hanna, team libero, tried to put it all in perspective at the end of the game.

“You can’t really top this, it’s the best I’ve ever felt. We’ve had three national championships, this is a different feel but it’s an amazing feel.

“This is awesome; you can’t beat this.”