VANCOUVER - Fifth-year UBC Thunderbirds
Jen Hinze and
Lauren Whitehead left their mark on seniors night with stellar performances, driving their team to a 3-0 win (25-18, 25-15, 25-16) against the Regina Cougars on Friday at War Memorial Gym.
Whitehead came out strong in the final regular season home series of her CIS career with two big kills and a block in the first set, and her serve gave the Cougars fits all night long. She finished with a game-high three aces and just one service error.
Hinze picked up two kills in each of the first two sets before exploding in the third set. She almost single-handedly controlled the final frame, picking up six kills on just eight attacks. With her side up 7-4 in the third, Hinze picked up a kill or a block on seven of the next eight points, sparking the 'Birds to a 12-0 run that all but sealed the win for the home side.
"I don't think you could have scripted it any better in terms of their performances tonight," said UBC head coach
Doug Reimer. "I thought Lauren played just an outstanding match all around. She was very steady for us, was tremendous serving, and did a nice job blocking as well. I think she is a real testament to our depth. Jen had great jump and I thought
Brina Derksen-Bergen did a great job getting her the ball tonight."
In the first two sets, the Cougars were neck-and-neck with the T-Birds until about the halfway point, but the UBC block proved to be too much for the visitors to handle in the end. The 'Birds totaled 11 blocks on the night and held the Cougars to a .011 team hitting percentage.
"I was really happy with the overall intensity that we brought," Reimer said. "Regina started very strong and really came after us, so it was a full value win for us tonight. They are a competitive, disciplined and well prepared team."
The Cougars took a quick 3-1 lead in the third set, but it was all T-Birds the rest of the way. They would take 15 of the next 16 points, including the 12-0 run and Hinze's personal 7-1 scoring and blocking streak.
Setter
Brina Derksen-Bergen teamed up with her on three of those third set blocks, and finished with five on the night to go with her 22 assists. Hinze also had five blocks, and lead all players with 10 kills on .421 hitting.
Shanice Marcelle picked up nine kills and 12 digs.
Meagan Onstad led the Cougars with eight kills and 11 digs on the night. Her side falls to 6-9 with the loss, but they are still a game up on Winnipeg for the seventh and final postseason spot.
UBC moves to 12-3, keeping pace with Trinity Western at the top of the conference. The T-Birds are just one game behind, but were swept by Trinity on opening weekend, meaning they would need to make up two games on the Spartans to take over first place in Canada West. They will look keep the pressure on tomorrow when they finish their series with Regina at War Memorial Gym. Game time is 6 p.m.
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