Late rally earns comeback win for T-Birds, weekend sweep over Wesmen

WINNIPEG – After falling behind two sets to one, the UBC Thunderbirds rallied to defeat the host Winnipeg Wesmen Sunday afternoon, securing the season opening sweep for a 2-0 start to the new Canada West campaign.

The Wesmen had a chance to close out the T-Birds but eventually dropped the 3-2 (19-25, 25-16, 20-25, 25-20, 15-12) decision at the Duckworth Centre.

“Despite some struggles both offensively and defensively, I’m pleased with our ability to hang tough and find a way to come back and win in five,” said UBC head coach Doug Reimer. “At our best, we are going to be a very solid group, but there will always be times against strong teams that we have to find a way to get the win. Credit to Winnipeg for a closer match today and how they responded.”

With a 2-1 lead in sets, the Wesmen were held to their lowest attacking percentage of the day in the fourth as the T-Birds rallied to force a fifth. Winnipeg hit -.034 in the fourth and made eight errors against seven kills.

The Wesmen were able to build an early three-point lead in the fifth at 9-6, but UBC won four straight to take the lead back. Winnipeg won back-to-back points to once again surge ahead, but UBC won five of the final six points to close the match out.

Jaya Dzikowicz had a match-high 15 kills to pace the Wesmen, who also got 10 kills and 13 digs from Selva Planincic. Ella Werbiski had a career-high 14 digs to lead the Wesmen defensively.

Lucy Borowski’s 14 kills led the T-Birds, while Akash Grewal added 10 along with a match-high eight aces, a new career high for the fourth year outside hitter.

Olivia Furlan topped UBC with 12 digs and Trinity Solecki had 11.

The defending U SPORTS Champion T-Birds now turn their focus to hosting the Regina Cougars for their home opener at War Memorial gym this coming Friday, October 25 for the first of two weekend matches. Tickets are available online now and both Friday and Saturday’s matches will be streamed live on Canada West TV.