UBC swept the University of Calgary Dinos in three sets on December 1 and four sets on December 2.
Before the game on Friday, UBC, Calgary and spectators observed a moment of silence for three Thompson Rivers University men’s volleyball players who were involved in a car collision on November 29. According to investigators, one of the players died in the hospital and two others are being treated for life-altering injuries.
Police are urging community members with information about the crash to call Kamloops RCMP at 250.828.3000.
Friday’s first set was strong, with setter Issy Robertshaw coming out strong on the service line serving seven times in a row, with two aces. During her string of serves, middle Emma Doyon garnered two kills before either team reached five points.
Calgary tried to pull through and get the momentum on their side after a timeout, but the T-Birds kept at it, capitalizing on their opponents unforced errors. Starting at 17–5 UBC, both teams began to change up their line-up. Notably, UBC subbed in underclassmen outside hitters Ella Ungemach and Elizabeth Lee for Kylee Glanville and Katarina Pantovic. Despite the Dino’s efforts, a kill from Lee sealed the deal for UBC 25–9.
The second set saw the Dinos keep up with the Thunderbirds, despite UBC’s strong blocking presence at the net. Outside hitter Lucy Borowski started the set off strong with a kill, followed by two blocks alongside Boyon. A Calgary kill and UBC attack error gave the Dinos momentum with the teams going back-and-forth until a series of Thunderbird kills from Lee, Claire Cossarini and Pantovic.
Capitalizing off UBC attack errors, the Dinos built momentum with a kill and an ace forcing a T-Bird timeout at 11–10 UBC. The teams duked it out until a Dinos timeout at 18–12 UBC. Kills from Calgary’s Dominique Desautels kept UBC from reaching 25 points, but a Borowski kill came in clutch, giving the ‘Birds a second set win, 25–19.
UBC and Calgary traded points early in the set until a Dinos service error set the ‘Birds on hitting spree with two kills from Lee and one from Borowski. A UBC attack error threatened to shift the momentum but Lee killed the ball again, keeping fate on the ‘Birds side. Points went back-and-forth, but UBC was growing its lead. A UBC block by Borowski and middle Danielle Price won the game for the team, 25–14.
On Friday, Lee and Borowski led the ‘Birds in kills with nine a piece. Lee also boasted two aces and one block, and Borowski had two aces and put up six blocks.
Saturday saw the Thunderbirds down the Dinos in four sets (25–16, 25–16, 26–24, 25–9). Pantovic dominated the court with 13 kills and 2 aces, while Borowski followed closely with 11 kills and 5 aces. Robertshaw led the team’s offense with 66 assists over the weekend.
After Friday’s game, UBC head coach Doug Reimer commended the team for their win.
“Issy Robertshaw set a great tone from the service line and let other people continue,” said Reimer. “I thought we blocked their hitters pretty well … and I thought some of the players that don’t start for us came in and did a really good job, so [Danielle] Price in the middle, [Elizabeth] Lee and Kylee [Glanville] on the left side.”
Lee — who had a weekend which has brought her season and career best statistics — said it felt good to win after the team’s first regular season loss.
“I think that the game against [the University of Fraser Valley] was definitely tough. We fought hard and I think this was just a good way to get our spirits high going into the new year,” said Lee. “I think we worked together really well and definitely put a stop to a lot of what Calgary had to offer.”
The Thunderbirds will play against UBC Okanagan in Kelowna on January 5, 2024. UBC will return to War Memorial Gym in six weeks on January 19, 2024 to play against the University of Manitoba Bisons.
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