‘Pack split with Heat to wrap up preseason play

KAMLOOPS – The Thompson Rivers WolfPack men’s volleyball put the finishing touches on a marathon exhibition schedule with a pair of games at home against the UBC Okanagan Heat this past weekend.
 
The ‘Pack and Heat split the contests as both teams got some final tune-up games in prior to the start of the 2023-24 Canada West regular season next weekend.

GAME 1 : TRU 3, UBCO 1 (25-22, 26-24, 19-25, 25-22)
 
Taking place in the TRU Old Gym due to convocation inside the TCC, the WolfPack earned the win over the Heat on Friday night.
 
A pair of Kelowna product shone against their hometown Heat in the match with Rylan Ibbetson recording 13, kills an ace and a block while Gaving Margerison was excellent from the service line with four aces and multiple service runs to go along with eight kills.
 
“Friday night was a solid performance, I thought we served and passed at a high level led by Dylan VanSpankeren,” said WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly.
 
Day 2: TRU 2, UBCO 3 (25-22, 17-25, 18-25, 25-17, 15-12)
 
The ‘Pack appeared to be destined for victory Saturday night before the Heat rallied late.
 
Matthew Hamilton led the way with 18 kills and once ace while Sam Elgert racked up an impressive 34 assists.
 
“We had a good start and an excellent second and third set but seemed to relax and allow the Heat to gain some momentum,” said Hennelly. “Credit to UBCO for a strong finish in the fifth set.”
 
With 14 exhibition games under their belt the ‘Pack will now head to Alberta for the real thing next weekend when they kick off conference play with a pair of games against the Alberta Golden Bears.
 
TRU will host their first games of the season Oct. 27-28 when they welcome the Calgary Dinos to Kamloops.