CALGARY – In a disappointing loss, the Dinos slipped in their second game against the UBC Thunderbirds in another five-setter (25-19, 25-12, 18-25, 26-28, 15-17). The Dinos drop to 7-11 in Canada West while the T-Birds rise to 12-6.

In the first two sets, the Dinos were able to edge out their opponents with the game looking like it would end in a 3-0 sweep for the Dinos. In the third set, however, the T-Birds capitalized on attack and service errors with key kills to change the trajectory of the game. Led by Irvan Brar (17 kills, 7 digs), UBC would win a close fourth set and eventually seal the deal in the fifth. 

For the Dinos, outside hitters Curtis Stockton, Alex Bader, and Parker Siroishka combined for 48 kills to lead the Dinos' offence. Alex Cook set up his teammates for success with 42 assists on the board. Overall, the Dinos had 57 kills, 52 assists, 51 digs, and 13 blocks to end the night.

Setter Alex Cook reflected on the progression of the game and the successes and failures of the Dinos tonight.

"We played a good game," he said. "We came out firing in the first two sets. Second set, we handled them. Third set didn't really go our way. Got back to it in the fourth set and we weren't upset with how we did [with] 28-26. It just came down to missed serves and executing right at the end there."

Cook was optimistic about playoffs but was aware of the challenges they face with their 7-11 record. "[We've] been trying to fight back and there's still a chance at playoffs. It just gets a little tougher now."

Both the Dinos and Thunderbirds have a bye next weekend, returning to action Feb. 10-11 when UBC hosts Regina while Calgary visits Saskatchewan.

-UC-