VANCOUVER – In a hard-fought five games in three days tournament the UBC Thunderbirds claimed bronze in the West Coast Classic.
 
The 'Birds held off the Mount Royal Cougars in the bronze medal match 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 20-25, 15-9) on Sunday afternoon at War Memorial Gym. The game was the last pre-season action for UBC before their regular season opens October 28th in Saskatoon versus the Huskies.
 


"Overall we would be a little disappointed with our consistency of play," said UBC Head Coach Doug Reimer. "It's a little tough to judge as this the fifth match in three days. So there could be some fatigue errors building, but definitely helpful for our squad to get that volume of play."
 

Blocked!! @ubcwvb1 is playing for bronze vs. @MRUCougars at the West Coast Classic. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/2Njjk4SoNq

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 16, 2016

The 'Birds were led by left side Danielle Brisebois, who drilled 13 kills in the match. The dynamic fifth-year T-Bird will be one of the focal points in the UBC attack this season.
 
"I think pre-season has been going very well," said Brisebois. "I'm excited to see what the season holds. I think third place at this tournament is decent for us, but I think we could have done better."
 
The gold medal match was contested right across the gym floor between Trinity Western and Alberta, with the Spartans claiming the top prize in the tourney after a 3-1 (25-18, 25-16, 19-25, 25-21) victory. The two teams represent what are expected to be heavyweights in the Canada West conference this year and teams the 'Birds will have to outduel if they want play for a national championship in 2017.
 

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— UBCWVB (@ubcwvb1) August 28, 2016

 
See the entire results of the West Coast Classic here.
 
UBC opens on the road in Saskatoon on Oct. 28th and 29th and then will play their home openers at War Memorial Gym on Nov. 4th and 5th versus Winnipeg.