T-Birds primed for second round of Canada West Playoffs

Following three powerful first-round performances to open the first round of Canada West Playoffs, the UBC Thunderbirds return to Alberta for a pair of second-round games in Pool E at Mount Royal University. After securing the Pool B title, the T-Birds will face the Calgary Dinos on March 12^th at 5:00 p.m. (PT), and the host MRU Cougars on March 13^th at 5:00 p.m. (PT).

UBC established their presence early in the new round-robin style tournament at the Saville Centre, where they earned a convincing 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 25-17) win over the Winnipeg Wesmen on Thursday, March 3^rd. Third year outside hitter Cara Kovacs led the way with 17 kills and 11 digs, while Claire Cossarini controlled play at the net with 12 kills and eight blocks.

The ‘Birds took care of business the following morning as they routed the Regina Cougars 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-20), as six of Brynn Pasin’s game-high 12 kills powered UBC’s decisive opening set victory. Jayde Robertsen did a bit of everything by posting six kills, four aces, and three blocks while Kayla Oxland added a game-high 34 assists to help launch her team into the final day behind a near-flawless record.

In their third game in three days, the T-Birds then took on the host Alberta Pandas on Saturday, March 5^th, which saw two undefeated teams step onto the court for the chance to close the weekend atop of Pool B. Unfortunately for the Pandas, they were overpowered in the ‘Birds 3-1 (25-12, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20) victory.

Competitiveness and elite execution was on full-display Saturday night, but it was UBC’s disciplined defence that stunted an aggressive Pandas attack, as 14 blocks limited the host to a .107 attacking percentage. Robertsen continued her stellar play at the net with a team-leading six blocks, while Elise Petit found success from an array of angles with a game-high 18 kills, many coming from Oxland’s 40 assists.

The 3-0 record launched the ‘Birds into the second round of the CW Playoffs, landing in Pool E alongside the MRU Cougars and Calgary Dinos.

The ‘Birds begin round two against a Calgary crew who escaped the opening weekend with a 1-2 record. The Dinos dropped their first two matches against the Brandon Bobcats and TWU Spartans before defeating the UFV Cascades with their season on the line. Fourth year outside Kenzie Vaandering will look to build on a strong first weekend that saw her average 13 kills per game.

The T-Birds close out play against the host MRU Cougars, who finished round one with an identical 3-0 record. Fourth year Madison Marshall strung together three impressive performances that saw her total 46 kills over the three games.

A couple of Canada West All-Star selections will only grow UBC’s confidence, as Cara Kovacs and Cossarini were named CW Second Team All-Stars. The recognition can only add to the momentum gained from the impressive first round showing that saw a number of players find their groove.

All games can be streamed online on Canada West TV presented by Co-op.

Schedule – Pool E

• The top two teams in Pool E (above) will advance and meet the top two teams in Pool D in the Final Four on March 18-19^th.