Solid defensive play helps ‘Birds down Heat in straight sets

VANCOUVER – Ekeing out close victories in the first two sets, the UBC Thunderbirds imposed their will in the third to earn a straight sets victory (25-22, 25-23, 25-15) over the previously undefeated UBC Okanagan Heat Friday night in Kelowna.

Led by Claire Cossarini’s team-high 11 kills and match-leading .733 attacking percentage, the T-Birds gained traction throughout the night and have now won back-to-back matches for the first time this season, improving to 3-2 on the year.

“It was great to have Jayde (Robertsen) and Brynn (Pasin) back in the lineup tonight,” said UBC Head Coach Doug Reimer who had been missing those two veteran players since the start of the season. “We survived a shaky first set but I thought our blocking was very solid, especially in the third and really helped to earn the win.”

The ‘Birds managed a 25-22 first set win on just .114 hitting compared to the Heat’s .265. While the start wasn’t ideal, it was good enough to start building momentum as the visiting T-Birds improved their efficiency with each set while the Heat went in the opposite direction.

Another tight battle ensued in the second with UBC coming out on top 25-23 before the ‘Birds dominated the third 25-15 to secure their third win in their last four matches.

“They’ve got a lot of talent and they were battling hard,” said Reimer of the Heat Friday night. “Us surviving that first set was important.”

In addition to Cossarini’s strong effort on the attack, the second-year middle led the way with seven total blocks.

UBCO’s Amaya Perry had a match-high 12 kills on the night along with nine digs. Jade Bussard added 11 kills and another seven digs.

T-Birds setter Kayla Oxland put up a season-high three service aces while defensively the ‘Birds had a true team effort in blocking with six different players combining for 17 total.

UBC will look to make it a three-match winning streak heading into the December break when they take on the Heat Saturday afternoon for the final battle of 2021 for both sides. First serve is set for 3:00 p.m. PT.