“They played a lot better tonight than they did last night,” said UBC head coach Kerry MacDonald Saturday about their opponents, “Especially in the first set, they’ve played very good volleyball, and made us really earn it—we had to play a lot better to win them tonight.”
“This has been our overall best full game this year,” said Thomas after the game. “Especially against the number one team in the country, great competitors and a great team like Alberta.”
The game was also a little different for the T-Birds as played host to stands full of local elementary school students, bringing in an overwhelming amount of UBC pride that MacEwan wouldn’t be able to rise against.
The team took home five spots on the U Sports All-Canadian team this year, sitting just behind reigning Vanier Cup champions Laval for the most players listed on the roster — Laval claimed six spots this year.
Even as the club has expanded its activities and focus areas, the UBC Aqua Society continues to prioritize promoting diving within the UBC student community.
The ‘Birds have had a tendency to start slowly, hitting the snooze button until the second half begins. However, the starting lineup were locked in early on Friday night as the starters were intent on pushing the pace from the jump ball, earning transition buckets at will.
Overall, the T-Birds put up 121 points in the three-game inaugural tournament, conceding only 18. The team is currently on a nine game winning streak as it turns its attention back to the BC Premier League.
The men’s team has now won four of its six events this year, while the women sit just one title behind, winning three of their six events.
“We looked like we wanted to play a soft, fancy, Harlem Globetrotter game, and it doesn’t work,” said UBC’s head coach Sven Butenschon following the loss.
It's that time of year again: Thrive week is now over and finals are fast approaching — the final leg of fall term is upon us.
Throughout the first month of their competitions, the Thunderbirds have produced impressive all-around results. With a group of extraordinary talent, they have become accustomed to beating their Canada West rivals.
McCrudden’s goal is to promote not only the website but also the overarching mission of a healthier UBC campus with nutritious and delicious food choices.
“We shot ourselves in the foot… all we needed to do was keep playing the same game we were playing, and with a little extra push it would have come,” said UBC head coach Graham Thomas following the loss on Saturday. “In the third we just didn’t come out with the same jump and the desperation to win.”
"All of our guys, especially in the first and second set, we served really well, and it was all six guys serving aggressively. All six guys have the potential to earn points for us, and that's what we need to win at this level."
"We don't have to be great, we have to be good for a long period of time," he said. "Being great doesn't matter if you give it all away."