VANCOUVER – This weekend, the No. 1-ranked UBC women's volleyball team will open up its conference play with a double header against rival, No. 2 ranked Trinity Western University. Friday evening, the Thunderbirds will travel to Langley to open the weekend with a 6 P.M. game; Saturday, the TWU Spartans will come to UBC's War Memorial Gymnasium for a 5 P.M. game.
 
Last season, the 'Birds won their sixth consecutive CIS title, going 21-1 in conference play and maintaining an overall record of 30-2.
 
This season, UBC will undoubtedly be looking to first-team All-Canadian and two-time CIS Championship MVP Lisa Barclay to lead the team. An outside hitter, Barclay has also played three seasons on the Canadian National Team. Fellow-fourth year, Rosie Schlagintweight, and Barclay are UBC's two principal outside hitters, averaging six kills per game in the 2012-2013 season.
 
Despite losing remarkable graduates, including Shanice Marcelle, Brina Derksen-Bergen, Jessica von Schilling, and Danielle Richards, UBC is prepared to keep the high-level momentum flowing with new recruits. Alessandra Gentile, previous star of the Heritage Woods Kodiaks, earned the title of BC's Player of the Year last December and is ecstatic to be joining the UBC family. Despite playing right side during high school play, Gentile will be moving from to setter for the 2013-2014 season, working alongside Kirsty Setterlund to replace All-Canadian setter Brina Derksen-Bergen.
 
The Thunderbirds also welcome Nicola Laniuk, a Surrey, B.C. native and Junior National Team athlete who has already played alongside Juliana Kaufmanis and Dani Brisebois, two powerful outside hitters on the squad. Laniuk will play an essential role as a middle-blocker for the 'Birds.
 
Last year, UBC went 3-1 over TWU, who had a conference record of 19-3. Ridden with preseason injuries, the Spartans will be relying heavily on their veterans to lead the team this season. Canada West First Team All-Star middle Alicia Perrin will play a vital role in setting the team's dynamic alongside setter Lauren Moncks and libero Kristen Moncks, twins who will start side-by-side for the first time since high school play.
 
Come out this Saturday night and support your Thunderbirds as they taken on the No. 2 Spartans at home! Saturday's game will be at 5 p.m. at War Memorial Gymnasium. Following the game there will be a banner raising ceremony as the team will be recognized for winning a CIS record sixth straight national title.