VANCOUVER – With one week remaining before an extended break from regular season Canada West play, the UBC Thunderbirds (6-4) head into a crucial home-and-home weekend with their closest rivals, the league-leading Trinity Western Spartans (8-0). Beginning Friday at War Memorial Gym, the 'Birds look to bounce back from a pair of home losses last weekend to Alberta, while handing the #2 ranked U SPORTS team their first defeat of 2022-23.
 


"We're coming off two of our better performances of the season," said the head coach whose club fought valiantly in both games last weekend against Alberta. "We've battled with consistency early on this season, so for us to come out and put two good efforts together against a quality opponent was a positive for us."
 
On Friday, the Golden Bears prevailed by a 3-1 score, but all three of their set victories came by the minimum two-point advantage. On Saturday, despite trailing 2-0, the blue and gold mounted a strong comeback effort, and narrowly fell in the fifth set by a 15-13 score. The tandem of Matt Neaves and Michael Dowhaniuk combined for 76.5 points.
 
White Neaves' statistical dominance has been hard to ignore, the emergence of Dowhaniuk last weekend was a major positive for the blue and gold. Coach Hawkins raved about the fourth-year outside hitter's leadership and resilience, especially after a slow (by his standards) start to the season. "Michael is our rock. This year he was voted as our captain, but you could argue that he's been our leader since his first year. He's a guy who possesses so many great leadership characteristics and is a talented player. Maybe to start the season he was trying to do a bit too much? But last weekend he played with a bit more freedom and he put his full skillset on display."


 
The challenge doesn't get any easier for UBC this weekend as they're slated for two games against the only remaining unbeaten team in Canada West – The Trinity Western Spartans.
 
Led by fourth-year outside hitter Brodie Hofer, the Trinity Western Spartans are off to a roaring start. Their 24 points for are tops in Canada West, and they are tied for the fewest points surrendered (10). Heading into action this weekend Hofer leads the Spartans with 168 points which ranks him second, only behind UBC's Matt Neaves (226 points). Henry Rempel (109 points) and Jesse Elser (102 points) provide strong offensive depth for the two-time reigning Canada West champions.
 
 "There's no team in the country that we know better than the Spartans," finished Hawkins. "There are no secrets. We know that they are a quality team but it's unique in the sense that they are also a familiar foe. They are exciting games and we're confident building off the weekend and emphasizing on our strengths. It'll be a great test and a big opportunity for us."
 
UBC are looking for their first regular season victory against Trinity Western since February 2, 2019. The Birds are winless against TWU in six regular season meetings since. They will also proudly welcome back members of their alumni, including members from the 1976 national championship team.
 
The weekend begins Friday at War Memorial Gym with a 7:45 pm showdown. The two squads will then meet again the following night in Langley at 8:00 pm. Tickets for both nights can be purchased HERE. You can also catch the action live on Canada West TV.