SASKATOON, Sask. - In a battle of CIS Top 10 teams, the No. 8 University of Saskatchewan defeated the No. 6 ranked UBC Thunderbirds 3-0 (25-9, 25-15, 25-12) Friday night in Saskatoon.
With the win the Huskies move to 3-2 on the season and sit on a three match-winning streak. The T-Birds drop to 1-4 and have now lost four straight matches.
"We faced some adversity today. It was a pretty big test and unfortunately for us it was too much for us to overcome," said UBC head coach
Richard Schick. "We've played some really good ball this year. Tonight was not an example of the positive strides we have taken. We have to be, and will be, much better tomorrow night."
Plagued with hitting errors in the match, the T-Birds struggled to find a rhythm offensively with 21 attack errors in the three sets. On the other side of the court, the Huskies jumped to early leads in all three games never once surrendering the lead.
Second-year middle blocker Robert Graham was strong starting in place of injured fourth-year Braden McLean with eight kills and three assisted blocks in the match. Outside hitters Matthew Busse and Paul Thomson also had eight kills a piece in the match. Reigning Canada West Male Athlete of the Week Bryan Fraser was also strong with seven kills and nine digs.
Quentin Schmidt (Calgary, AB) led the Thunderbirds with six kills on the night.
David Zeyha (Grande Prairie, AB) added another five.
The two teams will meet again Saturday night at the Physical Activity Centre in Saskatoon. Match time is 6 p.m. Pacific.
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