T-Birds earn straight sets round-two victory over Dinos

Both teams played with heart and kept the score close, but UBC proved to be the driving force on the night

U of C began the night carrying their determination from last night’s game into this face-off against the Thunderbirds. Their dominant start forced UBC to take an early time out in the first set and showed the Dinos they had sent the intended message.

The reset allowed the Thunderbirds a chance to find their footing, clawing back to erase what was a five point lead for U of C to an even six points each.

Incredible patience and follow up by Jayde Robertsen gave the Thunderbirds first lead of the night, 10-9. The team kept this momentum up for five quick points before the Dinos called their first time out of the night, and were ready to regain ground.

UBC inevitably took the first set, 25-15, and seemingly found their groove. Throughout the second half, they couldn’t miss and covered every inch of the floor, allowing no space for error.

The second set saw a strong start by the Thunderbirds, but the Dinos wouldn’t let it out of their reach. Calgary went point for point against the T-Birds, and made it to the mid set break down by only one.

Both the second and third sets were played out in a similar fashion. Diving, miraculous saves, huge hits, and a neck-n’-neck competition. UBC and Calgary played the set in an unbelievable way, with the speed to save any ball sent far out of bounds, and never quitting on what seemed unsavable.

Kenzie Vaandering had her second impressive showing in a row this weekend, finishing the game with nine kills, two service aces. 26 receptions, five digs and two blocks!

But without Michela Alongi, tonight’s match would have gone much differently. Alongi was spotted in every corner of the court, perfectly in position to keep her team alive.

“Honestly, I think we came out with some grit, we knew UBC was really a blocking team and a big swinging team, and I think we tried our best,” said Alongi. “Not the outcome we were looking for but I think we have a lot to work on for nationals.”

Alongi finished the night with an impressive 17 digs, most of which came from nearly diving into the stands or making miraculous pancake saves. Her dedication to the game and refusal to quit got her named player of the game for the Dinos.

“Not a lot of people even get to go to nationals. So knowing that we’re going to experience that in our home gym, I’m super excited.”

For the Thunderbirds, both Robertsen and Claire Cossarini demonstrated their force and ability on the hardwood.

Cossarini came out of the gate swinging, smashing down three aces for UBC and eight kills. On top of her impressive offence, Cossarini had four blocks, two of them solo, and four digs.

But Robertsen was the powerhouse middle that sealed the deal for the Thunderbirds.

“It was a great all around team effort. We came out firing. This team is young and they came out,” said Robertsen. “This was a do or die for them, and we were kind of talking before the game saying this is a young, competitive team, we just have to stay composed on our side. And I think we did.”

UBC and Mount Royal will meet up tomorrow night in Kenyon Court for their second and final games of second round action. The Thunderbirds finished their regular season with 18 points, putting them second in the west division with a 9-7 record. The Cougars finished with a 14-4 record, with 28 points, placing them second in the central division.

“Definitely with Mount Royal, you’ve got to give it to their middle. They’ve got Dholi which is huge and Quinn runs a great offence and they’ve got good pins,” said Robertsen. “But we’ve just got to serve tough so that’ll be ou0r greatest weapon tomorrow.”

On paper these teams appear evenly matched. For how much the Cougars appear ahead in terms of offence, UBC makes up the difference in their defensive prowess.

Come down to Kenyon Court at Mount Royal University in Calgary or live on Canada West TV presented by Co-op for a 6 p.m. start tomorrow night as they both look to clinch a spot in the CW women’s volleyball Final Four.