Matchup
After a strong start to the 2017-2018 season, it'll be a battle of the undefeated at War Memorial Gym this weekend as the UBC Thunderbirds (2-0) host the Calgary Dinos (4-0) in their home opener on Friday at 7:30 pm PST and Saturday at 6:30 pm PST.
"It's an exciting time for our guys as we get to host our first games of the season," says Head Coach
Kerry MacDonald. "Our guys love playing in War Memorial and in front of our fans. We had some great matches there last season and I suspect that this weekend will be more of the same."
The last time time these two teams met both matches went the distance, but the T-Birds came out on top with two five-set victories to sweep the weekend in Calgary.
Last Action
The 'Birds earned a pair of road victories in Kelowna two weeks ago, winning 3-1 over the UBCO Heat on back-to-back nights.
Irvan Brar topped the T-Birds attack with 32 kills while
Byron Keturakis picked up 10 kills to go along with his 4 service aces.
Calgary dominated Regina to start their season with two straight-set victories over the Cougars, before defeating the Manitoba Bisons 3-1 and 3-2 to improve to 4-0.
By the Numbers
13.50 – UBC's 13.50 kills per set is third in the Canada West.
215 – the Dinos lead the Canada West with 215 kills, and also lead the league with 435 total attacks.
Players to Watch
Irvan Brar – (#4, Left Side) – the veteran hitter is in his fourth year with UBC, and continues to lead the 'Birds offence on a game-to-game basis. Over the first two games of the season, Brar is averaging 4 kills per set with a 0.351 hitting percentage.
Byron Keturakis– (#1, Setter) – the fourth-year setter averages 10 assists per set, and has 15 digs in two game so far.
Coach's take
Coach MacDonald knows the T-Birds have to be ready to defend Calgary's potent offence.
"Calgary is a strong team with many experienced players and a lot of guys that can score. They have one of the most balanced offences in the league and that always makes for a good challenge defensively."
