Matchup

With four straight victories under their belt, the surging UBC Thunderbirds (5-1) head out on the road this weekend to face the University of Alberta Pandas (4-2) in Edmonton on Friday, November 17 at 5:00 p.m. PT and Saturday, November 18 at 5:30 p.m. PT.
 


These two teams are no stranger to one another, having squared off in both the Canada West and U SPORTS title bouts a season ago. While the Pandas claimed the conference crown with a 3-1 win on home court, the T-Birds took home the ultimate prize with a 3-1 victory for the national championship.
 
Earlier this season in exhibition play the 'Birds dropped a 3-1 tune-up tilt to Alberta.
 

Last Action

UBC downed the TRU Wolfpack 3-1 and 3-0 at War Memorial Gym last weekend to gain ground in a competitive Canada West with a strong demonstration of their depth. Kiera van Ryk led the series with 27 kills and 15 digs, Olivia Furlan picked up 14 kills to go with a team-high 26 digs, and Gabrielle Attieh smoked 7 aces.
 
The Pandas split their series with the Manitoba Bisons, opening with a straight sets win before falling in a tough five sets the following day.
 

By the Numbers

15.55 – UBC's defence has racked up the most digs per set in the Canada West with libero Samantha Patko leading the way with 83.
 
0.387 – Gabrielle Attieh holds the highest hitting percentage in the conference and has 56 kills to date.
 

Players to Watch

Alessandra Gentile (#17, Setter) – With 204 assists for the 'Birds so far, the fifth-year setter has been a steady force for UBC contributing on offence with 14 kills and 6 aces as well as 40 digs.

.@MuscleMLKCAN's Thunderbird of the Week: @A_genti1e moved into the top 15 in the @CanadaWest record books for conference career assists with 2,442 after the Birds' weekend wins over TRU. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/ffUVQFpsOn

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) November 15, 2017

Ciara Hanly (#9, Middle) – The fourth-year Alberta native leads the T-Birds with 26 total blocks and has 44 kills.
 

Coach's take

UBC Head Coach Doug Reimer is looking forward to the next chapter of a lengthy history with Alberta.
 
"There is no doubt we will have our hands full this weekend," said Reimer. "We always seem to have tough battles against the Pandas.  While both teams have a number of different players from the teams that played in the Canada West and U SPORTS finals last year, it will be the continuation of a strong and long-term rivalry."