CALGARY – No. 1 UBC jumped out to a fast start and held off a fierce charge from the University of Calgary Dinos men's volleyball team, winning 3-0 (25-11, 25-23, 25-22) Saturday night inside the Jack Simpson Gym.

Despite the sweep, the Dinos showed improvement as the match went on, settling into their rhythm and pushing UBC in the final two sets. Sam Kay led Calgary on offence, finishing with an impressive .400 hitting percentage, while setter Zack Durrant guided the team with 19 assists and contributed six digs defensively.

UBC set the tone early, jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the opening set and maintaining steady pressure at the net. Calgary got on the board when Durrant connected with Luke Nodwell for the Dinos' first point of the night. The Thunderbirds continued to control the pace, with kills from Dawson Pratt and Alex Emery helping them close out the set with a 25-11 win.

Calgary responded with energy in the second set, opening on a 5-0 run of their own and finding their rhythm offensively. Key points from Kay and Erik Godwin helped the Dinos build momentum, while Godwin's serving stretch added to Calgary's lead. The Dinos reached the red zone first, holding a narrow 20-19 advantage, but UBC answered with a late push, scoring at key moments to edge out a 25-23 victory.

The third set saw a more even battle, with Kay continuing to lead the way as the teams traded points through the middle of the frame. Calgary stayed within reach, but the Thunderbirds capitalized on late opportunities to secure a 25-22 win and complete the sweep.

The Dinos now have a week off before returning to the court Feb. 6-7 when they travel across town to take on rival Mount Royal for two games at the MRU campus.

-UC-