Matchup

 
They've yet to drop a match this season, and this weekend the UBC Thunderbirds (4-0) are looking to maintain their winning ways against the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack (2-2) at War Memorial Gym on Thursday and Friday, November 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
 
"TRU is coming into this series after losing back to back 3-0 matches against a strong Brandon Team," says 'Birds head coach Kerry MacDonald. "I expect them to be prepared and motivated to beat us. They are a solid team and much better than what their last weekend result showed."
 
UBC downed the Wolfpack 3-0 in preseason action, and swept the series last season with 3-1 and 3-2 victories in Kamloops.
 

Last Action

 
In their home opener last weekend the T-Birds secured two big wins (3-2 & 3-1) over the Calgary Dinos with strong performances from veteran Irvan Brar (34 kills, 11 digs) and rookie left side Coltyn Liu (19 kills, 11 digs).


 
TRU fell to Brandon in straight sets a week ago after starting the season 2-0.
 

By the Numbers

 
10.12 – UBC setter Byron Keturakis leads the Canada West with over 10 assists per set, while the Thunderbirds also top the league with an average of 12.18.
 

CUSN MVB 3 Stars of the Week:
??: Byron Keturakis @ubctbirds
????: @kid__Q_ @BearsandPandas
??????: CJ Gaulas @HuskieAthletics pic.twitter.com/apUVhS9x0N

— CUSN (@CUSNetwork) November 7, 2017

 
10.00 – the Wolfpack average 10 digs per set with libero Isaac Smit leading TRU with 24 digs on the season.
 

Players to Watch

 
Mat Guidi (#14, Right side) – the fifth-year senior had a massive series with the Dinos picking up 20 kills, 10 digs and 4 aces.
 
Tyson Smith (#16, Libero) – in his second year with the T-Birds, the libero averages the 3rd most digs per set (2.47) and is in the top 10 with 42 digs in 4 matches played.
 

Coach's take

 
Coach MacDonald sees strength in numbers from a healthy mix of rookies and veterans alike.
 
"At this stage in our season I'm actually most impressed with the depth and balance that our team has shown," said MacDonald. "We've had 3 players start at the left position and 3 players start in the middle. That's accounting for another left side, a right side and another libero that have come into sets from the bench. Training daily with depth has made everyone on our team better."