‘Birds face off against Griffins to end first semester

After an up-and-down start to the season, the UBC Thunderbirds (5-3) now own a three-match winning streak that they’ll aim to extend to five against the MacEwan Griffins (0-8). The two teams play on Friday, November 29th, and Saturday, November 30th, in the final weekend of play before the new year.

The T-Birds flashed their sky-high potential on the road last weekend at Mount Royal, including a dominant win on Saturday where the Cougars didn’t score more than 15 points in any of the three sets played. Thunderbirds head coach Mike Hawkins wants to see his team keep pushing themselves to improve the consistency with which they can hit their top gear.

“One of our focuses this week is continuing to raise our standards,” said Hawkins. “It’s not necessarily pivotal to have your absolute perfect start, but making sure that at the end of the race that you’re at your best.”

The ‘Birds have put up some impressive offensive numbers so far this season, leading Canada West in kills per set (13.06) and serving the fourth-most aces per set (1.53). Both Gavin Moes and Reeve Gingera rank in the top five in kills per set in the conference, with Moes at 3.57 and Gingera at 3.31. Mason Greves, meanwhile, is tops in assists per set (10.81).

On the defensive end, the Thunderbirds also lead Canada West in digs per set (10). Showing their dominance in that category, Logan Greves (2.3), Mason Greves (2.25) and Gingera (1.91) rank second, third and fourth in the conference, respectively.

The combination of longer rallies and flashy kills has led to some exciting volleyball to watch, which is great for the fans taking it in at War Memorial Gym. The T-Birds are 3-0 at home so far this season.

“We obviously play quite well at home, and I think that’s been the case with this group the last couple years,” added Hawkins. “I think there is a lot of comfort and confidence that comes with playing in War Memorial, and we know it’s a tough place for people to come and play.”

While MacEwan is still looking for their first win of the season, the ‘Birds will have to be wary of their upset potential. Rookie outside hitter Mitchell Croft is having a massive debut season, sitting third in Canada West in kills per set (3.63), and has hit double-digit kills in all but one match this season.

The Thunderbirds have never lost against the Griffins, going 16-0 against them in Canada West play. Their last four meetings have all ended 3-1 in favour of UBC, and four of the five wins for the ‘Birds so far this year have been by a score of 3-1.

With six weeks between this weekend’s matches and the next time they take the court, Hawkins feels it would be huge to be able to go into the break on a high.

“I think to be able to kind of tie a bow on the first semester with some good performances will be really important,” he said. “And it’s not necessarily the wins and losses, but the way that we play…it’s continuing to raise that standard.”

Friday’s meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. (PT). The two teams play against on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. (PT), with both matches at War Memorial Gym.