BRANDON, Man. – The No. 2-nationally ranked UBC Thunderbirds lived up to their ranking by beating the host Brandon Bobcats 3-1 (25-15, 25-27, 25-14, 25-16).
 
The Thunderbirds' offence was on fire in all four sets, hitting .356 as a team compared to the Bobcats' .138 attack efficiency.
 
The loss effectively ends any chance the Bobcats had of reaching the post-season. At 8-15, the 'Cats have no chance of catching Mount Royal, who clinches the final playoff spot at seventh in conference standings.
 
The win improves UBC's record to 19-4.
 
The Bobcats did show signs of life in the second set, going toe-to-toe throughout the set and taking a 16-13 lead into the technical timeout. UBC battled back forcing extra points before the home side put the set away.
 
The T-Birds utilized a tough serve game and potent offence to earn the win, being led by fifth-year left-side Danielle Brisebois' 13 kills and eight digs. Juliana Kaufmanis wasn't far behind with 12 kills and eight digs, while Ciara Hanly had seven kills and seven blocks.
 
Two Bobcats finished in double-digit kills, being led by Nikala Majewski's team-high 13 kills, while rookie outside Rayvn Wiebe had 10 kills.
 
Majewski also had 10 kills, as did setter Mary Thomson who also put up 31 assists.
 
The two teams will meet again Saturday to conclude the Canada West regular season for both sides.
 
Saturday will also mark Brandon's senior's night festitives, as the Bobcats bid farewell to graduating players Courtney Roberts, Jodie Baker and Gillian Leech.
 
First serve is set for 3 p.m. PT at the Healthy Living Centre with the senior night presentations to take place immediately following the match.