SASKATOON, SK – Game two of the Canada West Quarter Final series between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the UBC Thunderbirds took place Saturday night at the Physical Activity Complex in Saskatoon.
After being swept by the Thunderbirds on Friday night, the Huskies were looking to even the score in game two. It was one of the best games of the 2022-23 season and the Huskies would prevail, winning second game of the series 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-27, 34-32, 15-13).
“I think we blocked a better game and contained their left sides a little bit,” said Huskies Head Coach Sean McKay. “In terms of gunning through it, tonight’s crowd helped them power through and they fed them a lot of energy.”
UBC and Saskatchewan came out strong offensively to start the first set, until UBC went on a five-point run to give them the 23-17 lead. Saskatchewan fought back with three of their own but were unable to overtake the Thunderbirds, who would win the first set 25-21. The Thunderbirds had 17 kills compared to the Huskies 12 in the set.
The second set jumped to a quick 11-11 tie before Saskatchewan would go on to score to seven of the next ten points to take a 19-14 lead. The teams would spend the rest of the sets trading points, until two kills from Saskatchewan’s Dylan Mortensen would end the set in favour of the Huskies 25-21.
Matt Neaves continued to demonstrate why he’s one of the best hitters in Canada West, with six kills in the third set for the Thunderbirds. It was a dramatic last few points as incredible kills and service errors had the score creeping past 25. A service and attack error by the Huskies would give the Thunderbirds the 27-25 win and the 2-1 set advantage.
The start of the fourth set was all Huskies as they quickly leaped out to a 13-6 lead. UBC would take a timeout and respond with nine of the next twelve points to bring things within one at 16-15 Huskies. Four service errors towards the end of the set would kill a bit of momentum for both teams but it was a huge block from the Huskies that would put them up 22-21. Neither team would be willing to let go of the fourth set, with the score tied at 32-32. The Thunderbirds would make two errors and the Huskies would win the fourth set 34-32, forcing a fifth and final set.
As expected, the fifth set was back and forth as both teams battled to take the lead. Tied at 8-8, the Huskies would push forward and move to a 10-8 lead. Matt Neaves and Coltyn Liu would add three kills for the Thunderbirds and bring the game within one at 13-12 Huskies. The Huskies would push forward and take the fifth set 15-13.
“It was a spectacular night last night and Matt and Coltyn were a big part of that. Tonight they continued to contribute at a high level and we expect they will do the same tomorrow,” said Thunderbirds Head Coach Mike Hawkins.
UBC leaders Matt Neaves with 23 kills, followed by Coltyn Liu with 19. Mason Greves had 62 assists for the Thunderbirds.
Game three of the Canada West Quarter Final between these two teams is scheduled for Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 PM CST. Game can be streamed live on CanadaWest.TV.
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