KELOWNA, B.C. – The University of Calgary Dinos men's volleyball team fell 3-0 (19-25, 13-25, 21-25) to the No. 4-ranked UBC Okanagan Heat on Saturday night in Kelowna.
UBCO recorded 39 kills with an impressive .397 hitting percentage and notched 5 service aces, dominating the clash.
Rookie setter Dominic Sodaro was instrumental for the Heat in his first action at setter this season, with 23 assists and four aces, bolstering the team's service prowess. Seba Manuel spearheaded the attack with 12 kills, contributing to his 14 total points. Xander van Driel was flawless on the attack, adding 10 kills without errors and achieving a .500 hitting percentage. Thys Weststrate chipped in nine kills on 14 attempts, also boasting a .500 hitting percentage, while adding five digs in defence.
Erik Godwin led the Dinos with 11 kills and a hitting percentage of .241 over three sets, also contributing with five digs and a service ace.
Luke Nodwell performed efficiently with a .375 hitting percentage, recording four kills on eight attempts.
The first set saw UBCO seize an early lead, taking advantage of a series of service errors by Calgary. Manuel and Weststrate played pivotal roles with multiple kills, each assisted by Zach van Geel, as UBCO kept up the offensive pressure. Despite a short-lived tie at 7-7, UBCO regained momentum, widening the gap through effective attacks and capitalizing on Calgary's errors.
As the set progressed, UBCO increased their advantage, with van Geel delivering a crucial kill to maintain the lead. A timeout by Calgary at 18-12 failed to disrupt the home team's momentum. The set ended with UBCO clinching a 25-19 victory, setting a positive tone for the match ahead.
UBCO dominated early in the second set, with Sodaro's service acumen, including two aces, contributing to an early 3-0 lead. Manuel and Ashton South extended the advantage with kills supported by Sodaro's assists, pushing the score to 7-2. Despite some pushback from Calgary, including a timeout at 14-7, UBCO maintained their momentum.
The home team capitalized on Calgary's errors, including several attack and service mistakes, to widen the gap. Van Driel's decisive kill closed the set at 25-13, underscoring the team's solid performance. UBCO wrapped up the set with a strong showing, leading the match.
UBCO executed a pivotal turnaround in the third set, seizing key plays to outmatch Calgary. After trailing early, van Driel and Manuel led a crucial surge, each delivering significant kills to tie the game at 18-18. Weststrate then propelled the team forward with consecutive points, pushing UBCO ahead 20-18. A timeout by UBCO at 20-20 helped refocus the team, leading to decisive kills by Manuel and a service ace from Sodaro, which set up van Driel's final kill to seal the set. UBCO won the set 25-21, concluding the match.
Looking ahead, the Dinos return to Jack Simpson Gymnasium for a matchup with the Alberta Golden Bears & Pandas in the annual Block Party on Friday, Jan. 16. The first 200 fans in attendance at the Block Party will receive a Dinos Trucker Hat.
Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting GoDinos.com/tickets
