The two-time defending CIS champion UBC Thunderbirds improved to 2-0 to begin the year after another straight-sets victory on Saturday night, as they downed the Winnipeg Wesmen (0-2) 25-13, 25-13, 25-18 at War Memorial Gym.
After leading from start to finish in each of the first two sets, it was the Wesmen who jumped out in front early on in the third. Winnipeg was up 5-4 in the frame but that lead didn't last long, as they were unable to solve the UBC block. The T-Birds came up with five blocks in the set, and had eight on the night to Winnipeg's five.
UBC's depth gave Winnipeg trouble all night, as five different T-Birds had at least five kills.
"Without question, depth is the strength of our team," said UBC head coach
Doug Reimer. "It allows us to keep playing at a high level when we make changes, so it's important in matches but its also important day-in and day-out in our training, where it helps make us better."
Shanice Marcelle led the way with a game-high nine kills to go along with 10 digs.
Liz Cordonier also had 10 digs and picked up six kills on just nine attacks.
Kyla Richey had eight kills and five block-assists. Jessica Von Schilling had five kills as well, and she came up big for UBC in the third set when she had one solo block and two of her five block-assists, ending any Winnipeg comeback hopes.
"Our consistency of play this weekend was really good," said Reimer. "Definitely a successful first series."
The first set was close early on, with the 'Birds leading just 10-7, but a 6-0 run gave UBC a comfortable lead, and one of Winnipeg's 11 service errors clinched the frame for the home side.
UBC got off to a better start in the second set, taking a 9-2 lead and riding their stifling defence to a set-win. The T-Birds held Winnipeg to a -.125 hitting percentage in the frame.
The T-Birds will be on the road next weekend to take on cross-town rivals Trinity Western, with games on October 30 and 31 at 5:00 p.m. The Wesmen will have a week off before they get back to action in Alberta on November 6.
