The No. 1 ranked UBC Thunderbirds won their fifth straight game of the 2009-10 season with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-20) victory over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Friday night at the PAC in Saskatoon.
The T-Birds sits atop the conference standings with a perfect 5-0 record, while Saskatchewan remains winless after three weeks at 0-5.
T-Bird fifth-year outside hitter
Liz Cordonier had a match high 12 kills.
Kyla Richey and
Jen Hinze each had 10 kills for the Thunderbirds. Rookie Candace Hueser was top attacker for the Huskies with 10 kills.
Rayel Quiring added 10 digs for the visitors.
The 'Birds made quick work of the Huskies in the opening set. After an early point-for-point exchange, UBC took over at 4-3 taking the next five points on the strength of kills by Cordonier. Saskatchewan came within four points at 13-9 before the T-Birds went on an impressive 12-2 run to take the set 25-11.
Saskatchewan started the second set much better than they ended the first jumping out to an early 8-3 lead. Undaunted, the 'Birds came storming back with an eight point run to retake the lead at 11-8. The Huskies got to within two points at 20-18 before UBC closed the door thanks to strong play from Hinze in the middle setting up match point before Cordonier put the exclamation mark with a huge kill down the line to seal the set.
In the third set the T-Birds this time took an early 8-4 lead when Quiring, Hinze, Cordonier and Richey all counting. The Huskies were able to keep the game within two or three points for most of the set until Cordonier took over late. At 21-18 she unleashed two momentum grabbing aces and a pair of huge kills that froze the Saskatchewan back line.
The two teams will meet again Saturday at the PAC. Game time is 4 p.m PST.
