LANGLEY - The UBC Thunderbirds outlasted the Trinity Western Spartans 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-22, 17-25, 15-9) on Friday night at the Langley Events centre in the first of a home-and-home series between the two squads. With the win, the T-Birds improved to 17-4 on the season while the Spartans now sit at 13-8.
 
The 'Birds were efficient in taking the fifth and deciding set 15-9 registering eight kills on just 20 total attacks for an effective team hitting percentage of .300 to close the match.


 
Leading the way for the T-Birds on the night was first-year left side Kiera Van Ryk with 16 kills and five service aces, both team highs to go along with nine digs. Also standing out for the Thunderbirds was second-year middle Gabrielle Attieh who added 12 kills and five digs while second-year setter Olivia Furlan chipped in with 11 kills and a game high 27 digs.
 
After UBC secured the third set 25-22 it was Trinity who responded with a 17-25 fourth set victory on the strength of 12 kills from 31 total attacks and a team hitting percentage of .290 in forcing a fifth set. Standing out for the Spartans was Hilary Howe with a game high 20 kills and 8 digs while Micaylee Pucilowski added 11 kills and 7 digs.
 
Also stepping up for the visitors was third-year left side Anna Price who managed seven kills and 13 digs while fifth-year setter Alessandra Gentile enjoyed a game high 47 assists to go along with eight digs. Another game high was provided by the 'Birds fourth-year libero Samantha Patko who went low for 17 digs.
 
The return engagement is set for Saturday night at UBC with a 5 p.m. PT start for Pride Night at War Memorial Gym, encouraging inclusivity while celebrating a safe campus environment for everyone.