With a four set win (25-22, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19) over the McMaster Marauders, the UBC Thunderbirds secured their place in the U SPORTS Men’s Volleyball Championship semifinals on Saturday.
UBC came back from a 15-25 loss in the second, propelling them to the victory.
CHAMPIONSHIP WEBSITE: BOX SCORE
The Thunderbirds recorded a .333 hitting percentage, while the Marauders were limited to .228. UBC also put up a strong defensive presence at the net with 11 blocks.
Second Team All-Canadian Mason Greves led in UBC in assists with 35. Mikasa player of the game James Vincett accrued 5 blocks. Reeve Gingera added 17.5 points for the Thunderbirds from 16 kills, 1 service ace and 1 assisted block.
For the Marauders, First Team All-Canadian Maxime Gratton led the offense. Gratton put up 22 points with 18 kills and 4 service aces. The outside hitter also had an impressive .630 hitting percentage, above his regular season record of .365.
In the semifinals, the Thunderbirds will take on the Alberta Golden Bears on Friday at 8pm. The Marauders head to the consolation semifinal against Laval on Saturday at 4pm.
MIKASA PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
UBC: James Vincett
McMaster: Maxime Gratton
STAT LEADERS
UBC
Kills: Reeve Gingera (16)
Points: Reeve Gingera (17.5)
Blocks: James Vincett (5)
Digs: Reeve Gingera (5)
Service aces: Reeve Gingera, Gavin Moes, Mason Greves, James Vincett, Dawson Pratt (1)
McMaster
Kills: Maxime Gratton (18)
Points: Maxime Gratton (22)
Blocks: Tyler Pavelic, Jared Kuiken (3)
Digs: Ben Kerkhoff (5)
Service aces: Maxime Gratton (4)