‘Birds beat Heat for fifth straight win

KELOWNA – The UBC Thunderbirds (9-4) earned a decisive win in their first match back from the winter break, picking up a 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-11) victory over the UBCO Heat (1-12) in Kelowna on Friday evening.

The T-Birds never appeared threatened by their hosts, holding the home side under 20 points in each of the three sets by taking charge in practically every statistical category. Perhaps most notably, the ‘Birds held Heat hitters under a .200 attack percentage in every set, while hitting at least .350 themselves in each frame, including a scorching mark of .500 in the final one.

Leading the way for UBC was budding star Reeve Gingera, who posted match highs of 13 kills and two aces. Fellow outside hitter Gavin Moes equaled Gingera’s prowess from the service line by picking up a pair of aces himself while finishing nine kills as well, second only to his teammate. Steady setter Mason Greves also had himself a nice evening, leading all players in assists and digs with 30 and 10 respectively.

The two teams will square off again on Saturday at UBC Okanagan Gym at 6:00 p.m. (PT). Stream it live on Canada West TV.