The Matchup
The UBC Thunderbirds will head out to the Prairies this weekend for a tilt with the Manitoba Bisons on Friday at 5:30pm CST and a matinee on Saturday at 2:30pm CST in Winnipeg.
Both teams are coming in hot with four game winning streaks in tow, but the T-Birds have dropped just two sets over the span while the Bisons were pushed to five sets twice in a meeting with the Huskies.
UBC's 2015-16 season opener was last head-to-head matchup between these two Canada West sides, and saw the 'Birds earn a 3-0, 3-0 clean sweep at War Memorial Gym.
Danielle Brisebois was relentless on the attack, smacking 21 kills in the victories.
Last Action
In their first contest after the winter break, UBC claimed a 3-0, 3-1 home series win over the feisty UBCO Heat.
The Okanagan squad was down early in both matches, but consistently clawed back and forced the Thunderbirds to raise their level of execution.
By the Numbers
23 – the number of service aces UBC fired at UBCO last weekend. The T-Birds are third overall in U Sports in aces (106) and average aces per set with 2.59. Middle blocker
Maggie Li leads the 'Birds with 0.47 aces per set, and added 6 against the Heat.
546 – the total number of Bison kills so far this season - almost 100 more than UBC (451) - third most in U Sports on the most attacks (1628) by a team in the entire nation.
Players To Watch
Alessandra Gentile – (#17, Setter) – Gentile is tied with Li for the most service aces with 19 on the season.
Samantha Patko – (#2, Libero) – The third-year defensive stalwart is key to the Thunderbird's success, almost two digs per set and only 9 receiving errors in 33 sets so far.
Coach's Take
UBC Head Coach
Doug Reimer isn't taking Manitoba lightly. "The Bisons have been playing well as evidenced by their scores against Winnipeg last weekend. I am hoping that we can build off our strong start from last weekend as we hit the road. The keys for us will be to bring a strong and diversified offence and apply pressure with strong serving."
