VANCOUVER – The No. 8 UBC Thunderbirds men's volleyball team fought valiantly but fell in four sets (22-25, 25-23, 20-25 and 23-25) in game two of its Canada West quarterfinal series against the No. 4 Alberta Golden Bears tonight in Edmonton.
The loss eliminates UBC from advancing further in the post-season. It also marked the last game in a T-Birds uniform for seven graduating seniors:
Robert Bennett,
Cary Brett,
Joe Cordonier,
Chris Klassen,
Tanner Kozak,
Yari Kozel and
Demijan Savija.
“The guys left everything out on the floor tonight,” said UBC head coach
Richard Schick. “Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to extend our season. Inspirational leader
Joe Cordonier did a great job along with fellow seniors
Robert Bennett and
Cary Brett. We finished the second half of the match with three fifth-years and three rookies (
Milan Nikic,
Jarrid Ireland and Sjur Godø). The composure we showed as a group was something they can be very proud of in 'not-so' friendly surroundings. We wanted to pass the ball better than last night as well as attack and serve more aggressively. We did those things tonight and I'm very proud of our performance. Alberta is a very good team and they played very well all weekend. We wish them all the best.”
Godø's sixth kill of the fourth set put UBC up 17-12 and in good position to force a fifth and deciding game.
The Golden Bears grabbed six of the next seven points to tie the set at 18, only to see UBC re-take momentum with a 4-0 run, aided by three Alberta errors.
But instead of folding, the home team was able to turn the tables, taking the set and the match by recording seven of the final eight points. Five of those came on T-Birds' attacking errors.
The Bears set themselves up for the win by taking the third set in strong fashion, opening with a 7-2 run and eventually building a 14-5 lead.
While UBC fought back to within three points on three different occasions, the Thunderbirds couldn't overcome their deficit completely.
UBC had built momentum by winning a close, back-and-forth second, where neither team led by more than two points, which was the eventual margin of victory, 25-23 in favour of the 'Birds.
UBC took the four of the final six points to capture the win in the second set. Ireland finished it off with a kill, one of six for the rookie in the set. He would finish the match with 16, tied for the game-high.
Bennett had ten kills and Cordonier, coming back from a knee injury to play his final match for UBC, had nine kills.
UBC lead 14-13 about halfway through the first set, but five consecutive Alberta points paved the way to a Golden Bears victory in the opening game.
Ian Perry led UBC with 15 digs while Alberta's Mitch Irvine led his team in kills (16) and digs (13) on Saturday.
“Thanks again to everyone who supported our team this year and the alumni group who is becoming more and more involved,” said Schick. “There were many in attendance in Alberta, who were very proud of the boys' performance.”
Schick also wanted to thank the UBC Okanagan Heat men's volleyball team as its players and coaches, in Edmonton on a stopover back to Kelowna from their own Canada West playoff series, showed up to the game and lent their support to the Thunderbirds.
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