A week after being swept away by the UBC Thunderbirds, the UBC Okanagan Heat returned to form with a sweep of their own in Canada West women’s volleyball.
Steve Manuel’s squad too care of business on the road over the weekend, claiming both ends of a doubleheader from the University of Winnipeg Wesmen.
On Friday, the Heat hammered out an efficient 3-0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-23) win.
A balanced attack for the Kelowna-based squad was led by Kaitlynn Given with 10 kills, while Katie Wuttunee was an effective assassin with eight kills. Wuttunee has posted an attack rate of 400 or better in three of the last four matches. Kailin Jones added 12 digs, while Myrte Schön, the fifth year outside hitter, had her best game since Feb 2013 as she finished with five kills for UBC Okanagan.
On Saturday, more of the same at the Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium in Winnipeg, as the Heat again prevailed 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-21).
“I know it’s a cliché but this weekend was a total team effort,” said Heat coach Steve Manuel. “Our team has matured over the past few weekends. We are seeing new people step into leadership roles and everyone making contributions at different times.”
Fourth-year outside Brianna Beamish led the Heat with a match-high nine kills and a team-high three service aces. Wuttunee and Michelle Jakszuk followed with seven kills apiece.
Regular starting middle Katy Klomps was not with the team on the weekend, but Manuel was very pleased with how others stepped up to the plate. “Our middles were very effective both days. It was great to see Katie Wuttunee and Erin Drew making their presence felt.”
The Heat (6-4) returns home for matches this weekend against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
Heat men
The UBC Okanagan men put up a fight Friday in Winnipeg, but remain winless on the Canada West season.
In the opening match, the Heat very nearly pulled off a come-from-behind win over the hometown and eighth-ranked Wesmen before falling in five sets (25-19, 25-18, 19-25, 19-25, 15-12).
The Heat was led by third-year middle Jim Bell with 17 kills and three blocks. Outside hitter Lars Bornemann tallied eight kills, while setter Kristof Schlagintweit recorded 43 assists, four service aces and four blocks.
On Saturday, UBCO couldn’t repeat its previous effort as Winnipeg rolled to a 3-0 (25-10, 25-23, 25-15) victory.
“We weren’t very sharp in warmup and that transferred in the first set where we didn’t compete,” said Heat coach Greg Poitras.
Despite a lackluster offensive performance by the Heat at least one bright spot in second-year outside Lars Bornemann tallying a team-high six kills.
The Heat (0-10) are back in action Friday and Saturday at UBC Okanagan against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
