EDMONTON – The UBC Thunderbirds (5-4) got a solid bounce back performance and halted their two game losing streak by sweeping aside the MacEwan Griffins (2-9) in straight sets Friday evening.

Despite making the trip in from Vancouver, the Thunderbirds looked like the fresher team and they rolled to a 25-22, 25-16, 25-22 victory in which they were never really threatened. Even worse for MacEwan's bottom line is the T-Birds weren't really at their best either, says head coach Kerry MacDonald.

"I thought we played well at times tonight," he said. "I thought we lacked some consistency at times as well.



"In the end, the result was what we were looking for, but I think we can be better. I know MacEwan will be better tomorrow as well. We'll come out tomorrow and expect a battle. I expect us to play with a bit more consistency."

Canadian junior national team setter Byron Keturakis loomed large for the Thunderbirds at 6-foot-7 as he set a varied game, recording 35 assists, but also had six kills, three aces and eight digs. Irvan Brar had nine kills and Mat Guidi eight for UBC, which improved to 5-4 on the Canada West campaign.

The Griffins had trouble with some of the looks UBC put forth, including their pipe ball, which involves two guys coming up the middle with the delayed kill coming from the back row.



"That's part of our offence is running the back row and running that pipe," said MacDonald. "It's been effective for us this year. It was effective tonight, but maybe not as effective as it has been in the past. It's definitely a core component of our offence."

Lee Iverson had his strongest game of the year for the Griffins, recording a team-high 12 kills on .476 hitting percentage, adding seven digs. Kai Hesthammer chipped in eight kills.

The two teams will square off again Saturday evening at 5:30PM (PST).