Fresh off their first win of the season, the UBC Thunderbirds (1-3) will hit the road again to take on the Brandon University Bobcats (0-2) in Manitoba on Friday at 4 pm and Saturday at 3 pm (PST). The T-Birds bounced back from a tough home opening weekend with an impressive showing in Kamloops a weekend ago. Last season's T-Bird team split their series with Brandon in a tight five set victory followed by a 3-1 loss in January.
 

Last Action

 
UBC took home a split with the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack last weekend - dropping a tight five setter on the first night (despite winning 13 more points and scoring 18 more kills), before storming back with a statement 3-0 win on night two. Kiera Van Ryk continued to round into form with 30 kills on the weekend, Tessa Davis put up 20 kills with 5 total blocks, and rookie Brynn Pasin had 17 kills with 9 digs.
 
The Bobcats had a bye weekend last week, but started their season with back-to-back losses to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies - losing 3-2 and 3-0 on home court. Fifth-year veteran Nikala Majewski had a career-high 24 kills in the five set defeat, and added 17 kills in the straight sets loss to open her final season as a Bobcat.


 

By the Numbers

 
211 – UBC's 211 kills is 40 more than the second place Bisons in the Canada West as their potent attack proves to be one of the best in the nation.
 
260 – Despite their record, the T-Birds have scored the most points in the Canada West and average the third most points per set with 17.3.


 

Players to Watch

 
Kiera Van Ryk – (#12, Outside hitter) – Van Ryk's team-high 56 kills is the most in all of U SPORTS as the second-year Kinesiology student maintains her status as a top threat in the Canada West.
 
Victoria Behie – (#5, Outside hitter) – The fifth-year senior had a massive performance against TRU last weekend with season highs in kills (9), points (13.5), aces (4) and digs (11) in 8 sets of action.


 

Coach's take

UBC Head Coach Doug Reimer was happy with his team's second week of conference play and the progression thus far.
 
"It was a needed win on the Saturday not only to break the 0-3 start but also the way that we rebounded. We played with more ease and comfort, and rebounding quickly when we gave up points. It was a big change from the previous matches where we made too many unforced errors. There is no doubt that when we play with composure and focus we will give teams a lot of trouble."
 
Coach Reimer knows the Bobcats won't be an easy matchup on the road. 
 
"Brandon will likely play strong and scrappy defence and the have some strong offensive threats led by 5th year outside hitter Nikala Majewski, who has 41 kills after just two league matches."