VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds dropped a straight set decision to the Trinity Western Spartans (25-15, 25-21, 25-22) at UBC's War Memorial Gym on Thursday evening.
 
The 'Birds got 11 kills from Irvan Brar and nine from Jordan Deshane. Byron Keturakis provided 26 assists.
 
Trinity Western was lead by Jacob Kern and Eric Loeppky, with ten and nine kills, respectively.


 
"They did an exceptional job, especially from the service line," said UBC head coach Kerry MacDonald about his squad's opponent. "We were very average."
 
The Spartans seemed polished and organized after a weekend trip to Guelph University where they defeated three OUA opponents in the Gryphon's Invitational. UBC hadn't played a non-conference game since September 21. But Macdonald was buying UBC's long layoff as a reason for the defeat.
 
"I just think they were the better team tonight. They've played a little bit more than we have at this point in the season, but no excuses."
 
UBC opens their Canada West season on the road in Kelowna versus the UBC Okanagan Heat on October 20.