The Matchup
With the playoffs only a few weeks away, the UBC Thunderbirds host the undefeated Pandas in the final home series of the regular season at War Memorial Gym. The T-Birds have won eleven of their last twelve matches in the Canada West and remain tied with Calgary for third in the division with a 16-4 record.
Alberta is on a twenty game win streak that has carried them to the number one ranking in U Sports and a strong hold on the number one seed heading into the postseason. Last season, the 'Birds split their series with the Pandas in Edmonton - earning a five-set victory after being shutout on night one.
Last Action
UBC utilized their full depth to dominate the Regina Cougars last weekend, picking up a series sweep without dropping a single set - 3-0, 3-0. The Thunderbird's roster is coming into its own as the regular season winds down and, as the fourth-ranked team in the county, Head Coach
Doug Reimer knows Alberta will be a great test in preparation for the playoffs.
The Pandas have demonstrated their command over the Canada West all season, but have yet to clinch first overall (and a first-round bye) heading into the postseason. Last weekend Alberta shutout UBCO and hasn't lost a single set in their past four matches - losing just eight sets all season. In their twentieth win of the year, veteran Panda Megan Casault set the new Canada West kills record with her 1,255th career kill.
By the Numbers
170 – The T-Birds out-block the Pandas, with 170 total blocks on the season and average 2.42 blocks per set - fifth most in the league.
12.37 – Alberta smacks just over 12 kills per set, good for third in the country, lead by standout fifth-year Casault who averages 3.99 kills per set. The Pandas also boast the 2nd highest hitting percentage with a 24.3% success rate.
Players To Watch
Ciara Hanly – (#9, Middle) – the third-year front line force leads UBC with 67 total blocks, and has the second most blocks per set in the Canada West with 1.13.
Maggie Li – (#1, Middle) – Li has consistently contributed to the Thunderbird offence
and defence, with the second most kills (111) behind
Danielle Brisebois and just six blocks fewer than Hanly with 61. Li has added 32 service aces and 38 digs on the season.
Coach's Take
"Alberta has been playing very well and their high end play is the probably the best in the league," says UBC Head Coach Doug Riemer. "They have great experience and skill. They run a diversified offence and have very solid backcourt defence. So we'll need to bring our best to compete well with them. Personally, I am really looking forward to seeing how we challenge the top team in the league."
