WINNIPEG - The UBC Thunderbirds split their opening games at the Les Marc Invitational which is being hosted by the University of Winnipeg.
In their opener, the three-time defending CIS champions easily handled Regina 3-0 (25-14, 25-8, 25-13). Freshmen
Lisa Barclay and
Kristine Johnson each picked up a team-best nine kills.
"Regina really struggled passing the ball and we just served them off the court," said UBC head coach
Doug Reimer.
UBC's fortunes turned in their second match of the day, however, as they dropped a competitive 3-0 (25-27, 22-25, 27-29) decision to a more experienced Brandon squad. First-year
Rosie Schlagintweit led UBC with 14 kills.
"We were definitely in this one but we failed to finish. That's a bit of our youth showing against a more veteran Brandon team," added Reimer. "We made too many unforced errors and I thought our setting was a bit inconsistent. We will have to correct those things tomorrow."
UBC is without three of their key players this weekend as All-Canadians
Jen Hinze and
Kyla Richey are members of Canada's senior national team that is preparing to compete at the 2010 World Championships. Starting setter,
Brina Derksen-Bergen, is also out due to illness.
"This is a chance for some of our younger players to step and to train by experience," said Reimer.
UBC hits the court on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. PT in a CIS national final re-match against Manitoba before closing round robin play against the hosts from Winnipeg at 4:00 p.m.
-30-
