The Matchup

A pair of top-ten teams will square up at War Memorial Gym as the sixth-ranked UBC Thunderbirds host the number four Alberta Golden Bears in the final home stand of the regular season on Friday and Saturday evening.



It'll be a good test for the 14-6 'Birds who are riding a six-game winning streak and looking to build momentum as the playoffs approach. Alberta has won four in a row, and are third in the Canada West - six points up on the T-Birds in the division. In their last head-to-head matchup, the perennial powerhouse Golden Bears shutout the Thunderbirds on consecutive nights.
 

Last Action

UBC's rookies and veterans alike had strong showings in a 3-0, 3-1 sweep over the Regina Cougars last weekend for their fifth and sixth consecutive victories.
 
The Golden Bears have won thirteen of their last fourteen contests this season, most recently topping UBCO 3-1, 3-0 at home, before embarking on a four-game road trip to close out the regular season.
 

By the Numbers

951 – the Thunderbirds lead the nation in assists, as standout setter Byron Keturakis continues to average just under 10 assists per set.


 
0.353  – Alberta's Taylor Arnett leads the Canada West with a 0.353 hitting percentage, and the Golden Bears have the second most kills in U Sports (22 fewer than UBC).
 

Players To Watch

Cam Fennema – (#6, Outside Hitter) – the veteran hitter is a consistent option for Keturakis on the attack, with 183 kills on the year, while getting the second most receptions on the team behind libero Tyson Smith.

.@ibubrar weighs in on @ubcmvb's 5 game winning streak and peaking for the @CWUAA playoffs. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/8hY5JQFSCb

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) February 11, 2017

 
Irvan Brar – (#4, Outside Hitter) – "Swervin" Irvan Brar is five kills short of 300 on the season, and has fired 18 service aces to go along with 122 digs.
 

Coach's Take

"The outcome of our sport is frequently determined by the team that wins the serve and receive battle, so that is a continued focus for us this week, as it has been all year," says UBC Head Coach Kerry MacDonald. "Additionally we have be spending a bit more energy emphasizing our blocking and defence.  U of A is a strong attacking team and if we fail to be solid on our block/defence side it will make for a tough weekend."