The Matchup

 
Back from their winter break and riding a two game winning streak, UBC men's volleyball (6-4) welcomes the UBCO Heat (4-6) to War Memorial Gym for matches on Friday, January 6th at 7:30pm and Saturday, January 7th at 6:30pm.
 
The 'Birds currently sit 6th in the tough Canada West conference and would make the playoffs if they started today.
 
UBCO sits in 8th place and is currently on the outside looking in for postseason play.


 
 

Last Action

 
As mentioned, UBC is riding a two game winning streak after a weekend sweep of MacEwan in early December. The 'Birds played some good volleyball in the victories, dropping only one set in the two matches (3-0, 3-1).
 
UBCO split a weekend series in Kelowna against the Calgary Dinos (3-2, 0-3).
 
 

By the Numbers

 
111 – it's been a 'block party' at Thunderbird volleyball games this year. UBC has out blocked their opponents 111 to 65 so far this season.


 
.9 – the paltry number of errors the 'Birds average on serve receptions per set. Strong defence leading to good offence.
 
 

Players To Watch

 
Irvan Brar – the man with two nicknames ('Swervin' and 'Bounce') has been an offensive force for the 'Birds this season. His 113 kills lead UBC, while his 63 digs put him third.


 
Cam Fennema – the 3rd year outside hitter is rounding into form after injury. With 99 kills on the season, he will be well into triple digits after the weekend's matches.
 
 

Coach's Take

 
UBC's head coach Kerry MacDonald expects a battle this weekend when his charges collide with their sister school.
 
"They're a gritty team (UBCO) and definitely a rival of ours who plays really hard. It's a weekend where we need to come out and work off some of the Christmas rust for sure…I expect it to be a battle."
 
Despite his team not seeing game action for more than one month's time, MacDonald is pleased with his team's polish heading into the weekend.
 
"Things are coming together a bit better than I had expected after the Christmas break. We will see when the challenge and the stress of game action is upon us. I know we will come out hard and be playing aggressive volleyball. We will see how the execution is under the pressure."