T-Birds sweep Cougars in season opener, raise 2023 U SPORTS National Championship Banner

VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds didn’t disappoint in their home opener, downing the MRU Cougars in straight sets 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-19) in front of an enthusiastic crowd Friday evening at War Memorial Gym.
 
There were celebrations throughout the night as in between the first and second sets, The T-Birds surprised Doug Reimer, the most successful coach in U SPORTS women’s volleyball history, with a framed photo acknowledging his summer induction into the Canadian Volleyball Hall of Fame. Following the match, the ‘Birds gathered to enjoy the raising of their 2023 U SPORTS women’s volleyball national championship banner, which was won on home court just seven months ago, the thirteenth national title for the program and the 10^th in Reimer’s illustrious career.

 
The trio of Lucy Borowski, Akash Grewal, and Katarina Pantovic led the charge for the ‘Birds. Pantovic led the team with ten kills, three service aces, and three blocks, while Grewal and Borowski added eight and seven kills, respectively, along with three service aces each. On the other side, Bronwynn Davies-Neira led the Cougars with five kills, one ace, and one block. Faith Obiasi added three kills and two blocks.

 
Early on, the Cougars were able to challenge the Thunderbirds, but that was short-lived. The fourth-year outside hitter, Katarina Pantovic, was quick to start her hot streak in the first set. She earned a kill and added back-to-back aces to help the team gain momentum and control of the game.
 
“I thought we actually played with good control,” said Reimer. “I think we served and passed really well, and you can see from watching that we have a lot of offensive options and weapons, so it’s encouraging to see.”

 
Pantovic’s hot streak continued. The fourth-year hitter extended her run at the service line, putting the ‘Birds in a 14-8 lead. The Cougars called a timeout, but Lucy Borowski and Akash Grewal extended the momentum. The pair combined for six kills from the middle and the left side, along with three service aces from Grewal, closing out the first set 25-13.
 

WVB | @ubcwvb1 opened the @CanadaWest season with a decisive 3-0 victory over @MRUCougars in front of an enthusiastic crowd at War Memorial Gym!

3rd-year outside hitter Akash Grewal had a standout night with 8 kills & 3 service aces & spoke about the total team effort.

: pic.twitter.com/xwdWNqByBt

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 21, 2023

The Thunderbirds maintained control of the momentum, holding a 5-point lead throughout most of the second set. Pantovic and Grewal added four and three kills, respectively. The team continued to use its hitters to apply pressure at the net for the rest of the second set.
 
“When we were at our best, Izzy [Robertshaw] set up and ran a good offense,” added Reimer. “I think we definitely have the potential to put a lot of pressure on other teams that way.”
 

WVB | @ubcwvb’s Lucy Borowski attacks in the third set, the T-Birds are currently leading 15-12! #GoBirdsGo

: https://t.co/TdjaH9qtA1 pic.twitter.com/EG6nQ8Dmmv

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 21, 2023

The Cougars looked to find some answers to Thunderbirds early in the third, but ‘Birds’ execution sealed the deal to secure their first win of the 2023-2024 Canada West regular season.

 
Both teams will square off again Saturday, October 21st at the War Memorial Gym at 5:00 p.m. PDT.