The UBC Thunderbirds (5-5) are bringing their new .500 record back to War Memorial Gym for one last series this calendar year to host the Saskatchewan Huskies (2-6) this weekend. It all gets going in a special Friday matinee at 12:30 p.m. PT, and finishes with Pride Night on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. PT.
Pride Night is an opportunity to celebrate inclusivity while raising funds for Rainbow Refugees, and a chance to dress up in a colourful ensemble, throughout both the T-Birds women's and men's volleyball action.
The last time the 'Birds and Huskies went head-to-head, UBC won 3-1 and 3-0 on home floor to close out the 2017-2018 Canada West regular season.
Last Action
UBC has been building momentum of late, winning three of their last four matches including a sweep in Regina against the Cougars a week ago. The Canada West's second star of the week,
Kiera Van Ryk, led the 'Birds to a five-set victory on night one with 22 kills and 11 digs, while adding 23 kills and three aces in a 3-1 win on night two.
Tessa Davis put up a season-high 14 kills in Regina on Friday night and totaled 23 kills with six blocks through nine sets.
Saskatchewan will be hungry for a victory having lost six straight coming into the series at War Memorial Gym. The Huskies most recently fell 3-0 and 3-1 on home court to the undefeated (and 1st place) Trinity Western University Spartans. Emily Koshinsky had a team-high 26 kills to go along with five aces in seven sets of action.
By the Numbers
7 – The Thunderbirds lead the Canada West in seven offensive statistical categories including: kills (489), kills per set (13.97), assists (455), assists per set (13.00), service aces (100), service aces per set (2.86), and points per set (18.7).
23 – Saskatchewan is second in the conference with 23 solo blocks. Emily Koshinsky and Georgia Hurry each have six while Hurry has a team-high 33 total blocks and averages 1.06 per set.
Players to Watch
Tessa Davis (#12, Middle/Outside Hitter) – After a stellar performance in Regina, the U of T transfer now leads the Canada West with a .404 hitting percentage (87 kills on the season), while leading the 'Birds with 31 total blocks to date.
Olivia Furlan (#2, Setter/Outside hitter) – Furlan has racked up the most digs on the Thunderbird roster with 96, and is second on the team behind Van Ryk with 27 service aces. The Calgary, A.B. product is also third in the Canada West with an average of 9.55 assists per set in her first full season as the starting T-Bird setter.
