SASKATOON, Sask. - The U SPORTS No. 3-ranked UBC Thunderbirds earned a 3-1 road victory over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday (Jan. 9) night at the Physical Activity Complex in Saskatoon, in front of a crowd of 850 fans.
UBC set the tone early, controlling the opening set with efficient attacking and strong defensive coverage to claim a 25-11 win. Saskatchewan responded in the second, raising its level of play on both sides of the net hitting .286 as a team in the set, allowing the Huskies to pull away for a 25-16 victory and even the match.
The third set proved to be the most competitive of the night, featuring long rallies, multiple lead changes, and extended play. Both teams exchanged late points before UBC was able to convert in extra points, edging Saskatchewan 29-27 to take a 2-1 lead in the match. That set ultimately swung the momentum back in favour of the Thunderbirds heading into the fourth.
In what proved to be the final set, UBC maintained its composure and efficiency, closing out the match with a 25-17 win to secure the four-set victory.
Offensively, UBC was led by Kylee Glanville, who recorded 15 kills on 33 attempts while adding six blocks. Lucy Borowski followed with 14 kills and two aces, while Elizabeth Lee contributed six kills and two block assists. Issy Robertshaw directed the offense with 33 assists and added 15 digs, helping keep the Thunderbirds balanced in transition.
Saskatchewan was led by
Rosetta Cyr, who posted a team high 15 kills on 47 attempts.
Keely Anderson added 11 kills and three service aces, while
Jessica Bergstrom chipped in seven kills and a solo block. Setter
Tielle Hagel finished with 35 assists, and
Taryn Hannah anchored the defense with 13 digs in the backcourt.
Both teams showed strong defensive play throughout the match, combining for more than 115 digs and 32 total blocks. UBC finished with 45 kills on .230 hitting, while Saskatchewan recorded 33 kills and nine service aces on the night.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday (Jan.10) afternoon, with a rematch scheduled for 3 PM at the PAC as both sides look to close out the weekend series.
