The Matchup
The Thunderbirds are off to Alberta for a double-header with the MacEwan Griffins in Edmonton on Friday and Saturday – their final two matches of the year before winter break. UBC is hoping to re-tune and recharge after their first back-to-back losses of the season a week ago that resulted in a number 10 ranking, down two spots in U Sports.
A year ago in their most recent meeting, the T-Birds swept the Griffins and only dropped one set in the process – winning 3-1, 3-0 on a strong performance by returning left side hitter,
Danielle Brisebois.
Last Action
UBC fell to 5-3 on the season after coming face-to-face with the powerhouse Trinity Western Spartans in a rare matinee home-and-home series last weekend. The 'Birds were shutout 3-0 at War Memorial Gym before dropping game two 3-1 on the road against the reigning CIS silver medalists.
The Griffins snapped a seven game losing streak last Saturday with a 3-1 home court victory over Thompson Rivers and are now ninth in the Canada West division at 3-7.
By the Numbers
95 – with 95 so far, Brisebois is just 5 kills away from 100 kills on the season.
24 – the Griffins are tied for the most sets lost in the Canada West with 24, UBC has conceded less than half as many with 11 sets lost.
Players To Watch
Danielle Brisebois – (#12, Left Side) – The fifth year veteran continues to lead the 'Birds in kills (95) and kills per set (3.52) in her final year at UBC. Brisebois notched 25 kills in two games against the Griffins last year.
Alessandra Gentile – (#18, Setter) – Gentile is sitting at 199 assists on the season in her fourth year as a science student at UBC.
Coach's Take
UBC Head Coach
Doug Reimer says his team was frustrated with their lack of consistency in two losses to Trinity Western last weekend. "We're hoping to reset and prepare well so that we finish the term with two strong matches back to back. To do that, we need to focus not only on the skill execution but also playing free and competing hard…and the results should follow."
