VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds fell in three sets to the host Brandon Bobcats, the second-ranked team in the country, Friday night at the Healthy Living Centre by scores of 25-16, 25-13 and 25-20.
 
Rookie James Takken led UBC (0-5) with seven kills and six digs. Setter Ben Hooker had 20 assists and a pair of service aces.
 
"The Bobcats played well on defence and they made some stops on us, which kept us from getting any points in transition and getting into the game," said Takken.

The first major momentum swing came in the first set with the match tied 8-8, before Brandon surged ahead for good with six straight points.
 

The Bobcats used a pair of big runs, 10-2 and 9-2, to take the second set.
 
The Thunderbirds got their game going in the third with a string of four straight points, sparked. by a Harrison Byrne kill and a Jordan Deshane ace, to grab an early 8-7 lead. The set was a seesaw showdown until the technical timeout, which saw the Bobcats in the lead 16-15. UBC rookie middle Gerard Murray knocked down a kill to tie the set on the ensuing point. However, Brandon's 6-0 run in response allowed the home side to take control and earn the victory to improve to 3-0.
 
The Thunderbirds will look to rebound Saturday in a rematch against the Bobcats. The first serve is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. PT.
 
- with files from Matt Packwood (Brandon Bobcats Sports Information)