Heat sweep Dinos for ninth straight victory

KELOWNA, B.C. — The U SPORTS No. 4-ranked UBCO Heat men's volleyball team (12-1) secured a straight-set victory over the Calgary Dinos (4-7) on Friday evening at UBCO Gymnasium, winning 25-20, 25-23, 26-24. UBCO's defence was bolstered by eight total blocks, contributing to their 44 total points.

Thys Westrate led UBCO with 11 kills on 22 attempts and made significant defensive contributions with five total blocks. Zach van Geel facilitated the offence with 22 assists while also recording eight digs. Ashton South was efficient at the net, registering four kills on six attempts and adding four total blocks. Seba Manuel added five kills and eight digs to the team's efforts.

Matthew Brown led Calgary with 30 assists, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Erik Godwin also made a strong impact with 13 kills at a .382 hitting percentage, while adding five digs and a service ace. 

UBCO took the first set with a narrow 25-20 victory over the the Dinos, capitalizing on nine service errors by Calgary to maintain an edge. Van Geel contributed significantly with multiple assists, including pivotal setups for Westrate and Lucas Woelders, who each recorded crucial kills. Despite Calgary's Brown orchestrating several successful attacks, UBCO's defensive blocks and Calgary's errors were decisive in closing the set.

The second set saw the Heat edge out Calgary with a narrow 25-23 victory. The set was marked by a series of errors from both teams, including five service errors by Calgary, which contributed to the tight scoreline. UBCO capitalized on these mistakes, with South delivering crucial points late in the set, including a pivotal block at 23-23 that shifted momentum. Despite the Dinos' strong blocking efforts, UBCO's resilience in the closing moments secured the set.

The Heat clinched the third set 26-24, overcoming a late tie to secure the win. A key factor was Calgary's four service errors, which opened scoring opportunities. UBCO capitalized on the Dinos' errors with Westrate contributing critical kills, including the decisive point following a bad set by Godwin. The set ended with each team battling errors, but UBCO maintained composure to close the set.

Looking ahead, the Heat will host the Calgary Dinos to close the weekend doubleheader on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Game Notes:
- The Heat extended their record-setting win streak to nine consecutive games
- UBCO snapped a five-game losing skid to the Dinos
- The Heat remain in top spot in the Canada West conference, sitting two wins and three points ahead of the UBC Thunderbirds (10-1)