The Matchup

 
It's become one of the best rivalries in the Canada West. The UBC women's volleyball team (7-3) will begin the second half of their season with a two-game set versus their archrival the UBCO Heat (8-2).
 
The games go Friday, January 6th at 6pm and Saturday, January 7th at 5pm. Both tilts are at War Memorial Gym.
 
The last time the two teams squared off was in Brandon, Manitoba during the 2016 CIS Bronze Medal game. UBCO came out victorious (3-0) and was crowned the third best team in the nation.
 
 

Last Action

 
Before the Christmas break the 'Birds swept aside MacEwan on the road (3-0, 3-1). The wins were a good bounce back performance for UBC who had dropped a pair to the Trinity Western Spartans the weekend before.


 
The Heat are coming off an early December split (3-2, 1-3) with the Calgary Dinos in Kelowna.
 
 

By the Numbers

 
7-3 – UBC's record in the third set of matches during the 2016-17 season. It shows if the 'Birds can get a good start to their matches, they are a tough team to beat.
 
84 – the number of aces UBC has scored so far this season. The T-Bird opponents have a considerable amount fewer, with 63.
 
 

Players To Watch

 
Laura MacTaggart – seemingly back into form after an injury riddled first half to the season, the 3rd year left side is starting to find her groove and become an integral piece of the 'Blue and Gold' attack.


 
Juliana Kaufmanis – the 'Birds welcome back the senior right side to their line-up after she studied abroad in the first semester. Kaufmanis will be a great midseason boost for UBC.
 
 

Coach's Take

 
UBC head coach Doug Reimer spoke highly of the Heat and the burgeoning rivalry between the two squads.
 
"They're a good team that's built a strong line-up over the past few years. It's a good rivalry between us and they are the team that beat us for the bronze medal in last year's CIS finals."
 
Reimer knows that a month away from game action will present some challenges to his team.
 
"We have to play with consistency and manage the ups and downs that are inevitable after a long break from game action. It will be good to welcome Juliana (Kaufmanis) back to the line-up."