The Trinity Western Spartans finished tied atop the Canada West standings with the UBC Thunderbirds — and beat their opponent in both matches — but came out on the wrong end of the tiebreaker rules.
The Spartans (15-3) will be forced to play a qualification best-of-three playoff series against the Regina Cougars (8-10) this week.
UBC, on the other hand, gets a weekend off competition and will host the Canada West final four championships at the end of the month.
Both Trinity Western and UBC finished the regular season 15-3, but won top spot thanks to a greater won/lost differential in sets.
The Spartans defeated the visiting Manitoba Bisons 3-0 ( 25-23,25-22,25-22) and 3-1 (25-17,25-19,16-25,25-17).
Saturday’s victory was marked by domination in hitting percentage — 22.1 per cent vs. 5.6 per cent — and blocking — 18.5 to seven.
Dayna Jansen Van Doorn had 12 kills and 15 digs, while Amy Leschied and Alicia Perrin had nine kills apiece. Chelsea Hudson led the team with three aces and Nicole Bazin had 10 blocks.
Friday’s victory was highlighted by 14 aces, including four apiece from Lauren O’Reilly and Perrin.
Andrea Ball had 15 digs.
The Spartans, ranked third in the country, will host the Cougars at the Langley Events Centre, beginning on Thursday at 6 p.m. Game two is Friday, also at 6 p.m., and if necessary, the third and deciding match is set for Saturday at 5 p.m.
Trinity Western defeated Regina back in November twice.
