SASKATOON, Sask. - The U SPORTS No. 1-ranked UBC Thunderbirds (10-1) used late-set execution and balanced attacking to earn a 3-1 victory over the No. 10 University of Saskatchewan Huskies (7-6) on Friday night at the PAC.
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Saskatchewan struck first, taking advantage of steady service pressure and early offence to claim the opening set 25-22. UBC regrouped in the second, using improved passing and stronger blocking to swing momentum, edging out a narrow 25-23 win to level the match.
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The Thunderbirds began to separate themselves in the third set, posting their most efficient offensive performance of the night as they pulled away for a 25-18 win. Saskatchewan kept the fourth set tight, pushing UBC into another late battle, but the visitors again closed out the final points to secure the match.
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 UBC's attack was spread across multiple contributors, with
Reeve Gingera leading the way with 13 kills, while
Dawson Pratt added 10 kills and six digs.
Kieran Robinson-Dunning was highly efficient, finishing with seven kills on 10 attempts, and
Alex Borowski added nine kills. Setter
Mason Greves recorded 36 assists and 10 digs, guiding the Thunderbirds' offense through four sets.
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For Saskatchewan, Emmett Graham delivered one of the standout performances of the match, posting 22 kills on 42 swings while hitting .405. Isaiah Mamer contributed at both ends of the court with six kills and five total blocks, and Jacob Baird added six blocks at the net. Noah Opseth tallied 34 assists as Saskatchewan continued to generate opportunities throughout the night.
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The match featured strong defensive play from both teams, with UBC recording 12 total blocks and Saskatchewan finishing with seven team blocks, as extended rallies and physical net play defined much of the game.
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The weekend series continues Saturday afternoon, with both teams set to return to the court for a 2:30pm (PT) rematch at the PAC.
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