The University of British Columbia Athletics

VANCOUVER - The MacEwan University Griffins defeated the UBC Thunderbirds in five sets in their first match as members of the CIS. MacEwan, formerly members of the Alberta Colleges Athletics Association, earned their entrance into the Canada West league with a victory over one of the league's most decorated teams. Set scores were 25-27, 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, and 15-10.
 
MacEwan, fourth year outside Madison Porisky, led all players with 11 kills on the match and was named the team's player of the game.
 
"We came out and played our game. We just focused on our side, and it worked to our favour," she said following the match.
 
UBC hadn't lost an opening game since the 2010/2011 season, and seemed to be taken by surprise by the Griffins' aggression and confidence. Alissa Coulter had four kills along with 21 digs on the evening for the Thunderbirds.
 
"MacEwan wanted every ball, and it showed in their pursuit," said the fourth-year Calgary native. "There were some good battles; we just didn't sustain our play."
 
Third year outside Danielle Brisebois led UBC with eight kills on the evening, while fifth-year players Abby Keeping and Rosie Schlagintweit followed closely with six and seven kills, respectively.
 
Katie Crawford had 21 digs in her first match as the Thunderbirds' starting libero.
 
UBC head coach Doug Reimer stayed true to his promise of playing a variety of players on Friday night, as 11 Thunderbirds saw the court. Several Thunderbirds saw action for their first time as members of the team in the game. Rookie Samantha Patko came in to serve and play in the back-row on several occasions for the Thunderbirds, earning points at key times. Fourth year transfer Kelsey Clarke also found time on the court, replacing starting setter Alessandra Gentile at various points throughout the match.

Aggressive serving was key towards the Griffins' success, placing UBC's receiving core under pressure from the start of the match. Playing a slightly untraditional offensive system, with Juliana Kaufmanis playing middle yet participating in the service reception for most of the game, the Thunderbirds' were unable to consistently find access to their middle attack.

"Give MacEwan credit for some great play and strong individual performances," said Reimer. "From our side though it was a very frustrating evening as we didn't compete consistenly enough as a group. we have lots of work to do to rebound tomorrw."
 
The Thunderbirds were without Lisa Barclay, the reigning CIS Player of the Year. She did not make the trip due to illness.

UBC will seek retribution in tomorrow's match, where the teams will again go head to head in the second game of the weekend's series.
 
"There's a lot to learn from tonight's game," said Coulter. "It may not have been the result we wanted, but we are looking forward to coming out tomorrow."
 
Saturday's game will stream live via webcast at canadawest.tv commencing at 4 p.m. PT.