CALGARY, Alta. – The UBC Thunderbirds (5-3) swept away the MRU Cougars (2-6) in decisive fashion on Saturday night, winning 13-25, 15-25, 15-25 at Kenyon Court. The T-Birds followed up a 3-1 match victory on Friday with 10+ points wins in all three sets in the series finale and did not allow an ace across the entire match.
Gavin Moes led the ‘Birds with 11 kills, followed by Reeve Gingera with 10. Gingera and Dawson Pratt tied for the team lead with three aces. Mason Greves had a match-high 12 digs, along with a phenomenal 36 assists, nearly double the entire MRU team.
UBC opened the first set with a 6-1 run, carrying over their energy from last night. MRU refused to go away, trading punches with the Thunderbirds and keeping the game close early in the set. However, UBC found their groove midway through the set and scored in bunches, eventually leading themselves to a 25-13 set victory.
The Thunderbirds’ brilliant serving gave them an unmatchable edge as they scored 11 aces.
The second set stayed closer until the teams approached double digits until UBC went on a 9-3 run to pull ahead. The MRU offence went cold from there and the T-Birds ended the set with a comfortable 25-15 victory.
The third set started close once again, with the Cougars jumping out to an early lead. An quick timeout by UBC head coach Mike Hawkins changed the momentum however, as the ‘Birds won a series of long rallies to turn the tide.
The T-Birds built up a six point lead and put their foot on the gas when they entered crunch-time. UBC looked unstoppable as they dug, blocked and killed with ease on their way to a 25-15 set victory, to sweep the Cougars 3-0.
UBC returns home for the team’s final series of 2024 as MacEwan comes to Point Grey for a two game set. The T-Birds host the Griffins at 5:30 p.m. (PT) on Friday and then 4:00 p.m. (PT) on Saturday at War Memorial Gym.
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