Jeff Sargeant/UBC Thunderbirds
VANCOUVER – Three different players hit double digit kills while Byron Keturakis had six service aces to power the UBC Thunderbirds (4-0) to a four-set win over the No. 9 Calgary Dinos (4-2) at War Memorial Gym Saturday night.
After splitting the first two sets, the 'Birds took control with a 25-14 third set win and proceeded to put the Dinos away with a 25-19 fourth.
"Calgary's a tough team, they're a team that really makes you earn it and they do a great job at the service line," said UBC head coach Kerry MacDonald following the 'Birds' first home opening weekend sweep in six years. "Again tonight, they still broke us down at times but we managed to be a little more consistent."
Irvan Brar led the 'Birds with 15 kills while adding five digs.
"He's our team captain and definitely a heartbeat of our team," said MacDonald of the fifth-year left side. "He did a great job all weekend and he continues to be a leader on and off the court as well. We look to him when we need big points and he continues to deliver."
Second-year libero Tyson Smith led both teams with 13 total digs. Mat Guidi and Coltyn Liu each had 10 kills on the night.
Keturakis' six service aces set a new career high for the fourth-year setter and now sits tied for second in the conference with 14 through just four games.
Just as they did the night before, the Thunderbirds won the first set, this time by a 25-21 margin. But unlike Friday, UBC headed into the third tied at one apiece after the Dinos answered with a convincing 25-18 second set win.
But the 'Birds played a much cleaner overall match Saturday night, highlighted by an impressive .526 team hitting percentage in the third set.
"With the exception of the second set I thought we did a much better job tonight," said MacDonald. "Just our consistency, especially on service and receive, was much better."
Regan Fathers had 15 kills for Calgary Saturday while libero Derek Meeuwisse led defensively with eight digs.
The Dinos head back home having suffered their first two losses of the season and now sit tied in points with UBC and Alberta, both of whom have two matches in hand.
The 'Birds have a quick turnaround with another home series Thursday and Friday, November 9 and 10 when the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack come to town. First serve Thursday night is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT at War Memorial.
Calgary is at Winnipeg next weekend, before finishing off the 2017 calendar year with four consecutive matches at home.
PHOTO: Wilson Wong/UBC Thunderbirds