T-Birds take two from Dinos at home

11/26/2011 10:23:00 PM

VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds are still perfect at 8-0 on the year after another victory over the Calgary Dinos on Saturday, this time by a score of 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-16, 25-15) at War Memorial Gym.

After UBC won the first set, Melanie Miazga and Courtney Dawson both had strong offensive performances in the second set for Calgary to help their side pull even with the T-Birds at one game a piece.

The Dinos were again threatening in the third set, trailing just 14-13 after an ace by Jordhynn Guy, but the T-Birds pulled away quickly from there, closing the set on an 11-3 run aided by three Dinos service errors and two attacking errors down the stretch.

UBC's momentum carried over into the fourth set, where the blockers gave the home side an early lead which they held comfortably through match point.

"That was a good match for us. Calgary played well, and just mentally for us to have to play well for a longer period of time was good," said UBC head coach Doug Reimer. "Even halfway through the third set it was still pretty tight and from that point on we really asserted ourselves, so I was really pleased with that."

The T-Birds got blocking contributions from all over the court, as they have all season. Six different players were in on at least two blocks, including two solo blocks from outside hitter Lisa Barclay.

Barclay led all players with 15 kills on .300 hitting as well. Kyla Richey was next with 11 kills, while adding a pair of block assists and 10 digs.

"I really think Kyla's all-around game has really taken steps forward," said Reimer. "Her pursuit on defence and passing are some areas where she's doing a really good job."

Setter Brina Derksen-Bergen also got in on the action at the net with a pair of block assists and five kills to go with her 38 set assists.

"She's continuing to make improvements and get better, and I'm excited about her development," Reimer said. "She has to work so hard because she gets almost no breaks."

Rosie Schlagintweit had eight kills for UBC, including a big smash for her second match point in as many nights. Rayel Quiring posted seven kills.

Miazga led the Dinos with nine kills while adding two block assists and one solo block. Ali Sandholm had five hills, four block assists and one solo job.

The Dinos fall to 4-6 with the loss, but have a good chance to get back to .500 before the holiday break, as they wrap up their first half schedule at home next weekend with two matches against 2-6 UBCO.

The T-Birds finish their first half schedule with a tough test on the road against No. 2 Alberta next weekend. The next home action for UBC is on January 13 and 14 against Thompson Rivers.

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