VANCOUVER - The no. 1 ranked UBC Thunderbirds can be the first Canada West team to clinch a playoff spot with just one more win. They will be looking to get that win in their 2010 home debut this weekend, when they take on the Calgary Dinos. Games are this Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
A look at the Thunderbirds
The T-Birds have a two-game lead atop the Canada West standings at 13-0 and have been the top ranked team in the CIS the entire season. They are the best in the conference in both hitting percentage (.264) and opponent hitting percentage (.110), and they rank third in blocking (2.39 per game).
Liz Cordonier has rebounded nicely from an injury late last season to have a very strong year, as she leads the team and is third in the conference with 3.32 kills-per-game. She leads a well-balanced attack which boasts four players who average at least two kills-per-game in
Kyla Richey,
Shanice Marcelle and
Jen Hinze. Seven players average at least one kill. Setter
Katie Tyzuk has had a great year running that balanced attack - her 10 assists per game are second in Canada West.
Cordonier has also been active on defence, with 2.48 digs-per-game. Libero
Claire Hanna leads the way with 2.81 digs. Richey, Hinze and
Jessica von Schilling are most responsible for UBC's blocking success, as they all average about one block-per-game.
A look at the Dinos
Although the Dinos sit at 6-6 on the year, that record may be a bit deceiving. All six of those wins have come against Simon Fraser, Saskatchewan or Thompson rivers, who are a combined 2-37 on the year. With Trinity Western and Winnipeg hot on their trail, the Dinos need to start beating some of the better teams in Canada West if they want to hold on to a playoff spot.
Like UBC, the Dinos have many viable options on the attack. Lindsey Doland, Raynell Lavertu, Maura Hayes and Laura Spence all average between 2.54 and 2.17 kills-per-game, thanks to good distribution by setter Sarah Lacny, who averages a solid 9.53 assists-per-game.
They have the third-best team hitting percentage (.216) in the conference but have struggled defensively, as they rank just eighth in opponent hitting percentage (.188) and tenth in digs (12.65 per game). Their defence will need to be at its best when they clash with the many weapons of the number one-ranked T-Birds this weekend.
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