‘Birds to battle for Bronze after falling to Bears

KINGSTON (U SPORTS) – The No.6-seed UBC Thunderbirds fell in straight sets to the No.2-seed Alberta Golden Bears (25-23, 25-19, 25-23) in the their U SPORTS semifinal, sending the T-Birds to the bronze medal match.

Reeve Gingera led the way with 15 kills for the ‘Birds. Gavin Moes chipped in with 13 kills, seven digs and a pair of aces. Mason Greves had 30 assists.

After a close win in the first set, the Golden Bears built on their momentum and increased the point differential in the second, however, the Thunderbirds refused to go down with out a fight and brought the third to 25-23.

In the win, Alberta recorded 46 kills to UBC’s 37.

Player of the Year, Isaac Heslinga, put up the strongest offensive numbers for Alberta. The second year outside bagged 20.5 points, with 20 kills and a hitting percentage of .432.  

Liam Esposito added 11.5 more points for the Golden Bears with 11 kills and one assisted block. Logan Sargent was right behind with 10 points and 11 digs, earning player of the game.

Mason Greves was stellar in running the Thunderbirds’ offence, also adding a kill and a block to his 30 assists.

The Golden Bears head to the Champions match on Sunday at 7pm where they will take on Sherbrooke. UBC takes on Queen’s in the bronze medal match at 3pm.

MIKASA PLAYERS OF THE GAME:

Alberta: Jacob Sargent

UBC: Gavin Moes

STAT LEADERS

Alberta

Kills: Isaac Heslinga (20)

Points: Isaac Heslinga (20.5)

Blocks: Billy Johnstone (4)

Digs: Jacob Sargent (11)

Service aces: Jacob Sargent, Greydon Weibe (1)

UBC

Kills: Reeve Gingera (15)

Points: Reeve Gingera (15.5)

Blocks: Jesse Umoran (3)

Digs: Logan Geves (13)

Service aces: Gavin Moes (2)