VANCOUVER – As the Canada West playoff picture starts to become clearer, two of the top four teams will take to War Memorial Gym this weekend when the UBC Thunderbirds (16-4) battle the Winnipeg Wesmen (14-6). Mathematically, first place is still within reach for Doug Reimer's club, as UBC current sits second, two wins back of Trinity Western University. Winnipeg heads into the weekend ranked fourth, one victory beneath the third placed Mount Royal Cougars.
 
Last weekend in Calgary, UBC secured the weekend sweep over the Dinos. Friday the blue and gold were victorious in four sets while Saturday took the full five. Every weekend this season has provided its own unique set of challenges for UBC, and Doug Reimer and his coaching staff are taking plenty away from their trip to Calgary. "Any time you can go on the road and get two wins against a determined and well-prepared team you can't be too disappointed.  But there are also areas that will break down for a bit, but what we saw again was the ability to have anyone on our roster step in and make a positive contribution. We have to remind ourselves that we bring a lot of strengths and present teams with tough challenges individually and as a group."


 
Doug Reimer's crew can now set their sights in playing their first home games in almost a full month with his six graduating seniors taking center stage.
 
 "It will be great to be back home and get back in front of our fans," remarked Doug Reimer. "Winnipeg is a very solid and skilled volleyball team and so hopefully playing at home will give us the chance to feel that bit more comfortable and ability to play free. For our team and in particular our six graduating players it will have special meaning. We hope to play with them and for them as we recognize their contributions to our program and the university."
 
As part of Senior's Weekend, the UBC Thunderbirds, their fans, and their alumni are proud to recognize and thank the six graduates from 2023: Courtney Hillier, Cara Kovacs, Kayla Oxland, Brynn Pasin, Elise Petit and Jayde Robertsen.


 
With only four regular season tests remaining before the Canada West playoffs, the big focus for UBC is getting as 'playoff ready' as possible. Facing a quality opponent like Winnipeg this weekend will absolutely help with this. Reimer adds, "There is no doubt in my mind that the competitive stress we are facing against very good teams is preparing us for the playoffs. Winnipeg executes well in every phase of the game. Defensively they compete hard and we will have to work very hard and be patient because it won't be easy to put the ball away. I expect a lot of long, rallies punctuated with great defence."
 
First serve Friday is set for 6:00 p.m. PT at War Memorial with Saturday's rematch beginning at 5:00 p.m. Tickets for both nights are available now and both will be streamed live on Canada West TV.