VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds return to War Memorial Gym this weekend for a highly anticipated matchup against the undefeated Trinity Western Spartans on Friday, January 28th at 7:30 p.m. (PT) and Saturday, January 29th at 6:30 p.m. (PT).
TWU (8-0) have yet to stumble this season leading the West Division, but the T-Birds (5-3) have an opportunity to pull themselves closer to first place with a strong performance in front of their home faithful. It’s a familiar matchup that was last seen in late November when the ‘Birds traveled to Langley and were defeated 3-0 and 3-1. The T-Birds are excited to welcome the number one ranked team in the country onto campus and look forward to harnessing the special energy inside War Memorial Gym.
The T-Birds are eager to get back on the court after sweeping the TRU Wolfpack ahead of their bye this past weekend. Fans were in for a treat on Friday, January 14th which saw the ‘Birds pull out a thrilling five-set victory. After dropping a competitive first frame, the ‘Birds bounced back by taking the next two sets. TRU’s resiliency helped squeak out a 23-25 victory in the fourth set leading to a riveting 15-13 final for the ‘Birds, who proved to be flexible in their approach of moving players in and out of familiar positions. Fifth-year libero Tyson Smith posted a career-high four kills while adding 11 digs. Matt Neaves led the way with 17 kills as Cole Brandsma posted a season-high 15 kills.
“I was really pleased with our resilience and fight against TRU. Everyone has had to deal with at some point this season, we were forced to throw out a unique lineup due to COVID and injuries, but our guys battled hard and came away with two well-earned wins,” said UBC head coach Mike Hawkins. “TRU played really hard both nights and forced us to play our best. Two victories against that type of opponent in those types of situations is great for building the character and resolve of our squad.”
The T-Birds wasted no time the following day, defeating the Wolfpack 3-0 in straight sets (33-31, 25-18, 25-18). A weekend full of non-traditional lineups did not stop the ‘Birds attack as Neaves and Gerard Murray each put up 11 kills while Mason Greves delivered 31 assists in front of an appreciative home crowd.
TWU are playing some of the best volleyball in Canada, having swept the visiting UBCO Heat last weekend behind Brodie Hofer’s 39 kills. The Spartans were tested in their 3-2 win on Friday, January 22 but dominated the following game defeating the Heat 3-0.
“We weren’t pleased with our performance against the Spartans in Term 1 and know we’ve seen an immense amount of growth in our team since then. They’re a team we’re very familiar with and expect a tough battle from the very first whistle on Friday night. Coach Josephson does a great job in preparing his athletes to challenge our team and our systems, we anticipate to do the same against them. We expect a slugfest this weekend and are confident in our preparation.”
TWU’s .344 hitting percentage is second best in Canada West so finding a way to neutralize their high-flying attack will be key to success for the T-Birds who are hopeful to return fourth year outside hitter Coltyn Liu and first year middle James Vincett.
Tickets to T-Birds games are free this year, but you must register in advance here.
All games can be streamed live on Canada West TV presented by Co-op