Tyler Crayston, Brandon University Athletics

BRANDON – The Bobcats played it cool against the UBC Okanagan Heat on Friday night at the Healthy Living Centre.
 
BU won the Canada West men's volleyball match in straight sets behind a balanced offensive attack.
 
The third-ranked Bobcats got nine kills from Elliott Viles, Daven Pasal put away eight, while Mason Metcalf and Seth Friesen supplied seven each.
 
The set scores were 25-21, 25-23 and 25-10.
 
The first set saw both teams exchange 3-0 runs. Brandon's deficit was 16-14 at the technical timeout, before racking up five straight points to lead 19-16. The 5-0 run was critical in setting the stage for a first-set win.
 
UBC Okanagan used a 6-0 run in the second set to grab a 7-2 lead. The Heat held their ground going into the technical timeout up 16-11. BU countered with a 6-2 run to tie it 20-20. The Bobcats then turned up the heat with a 4-1 run to secure the second.
 
The Bobcats' offence started to cook in the third, thanks in large part to a 5-0 start. BU extended their advantage to 9-3 before building a 16-8 lead at the technical timeout. Brandon finished off the match in style by scoring six straight points.
 
The top scorer was Lars Bornemann, who had 14 kills in a losing effort for the Heat. UBC Okanagan has dropped five straight and sit with a record of 5-and-10.
 
Brandon's conference record has been boosted to 11-and-4. They will look to sweep the series on Saturday night.

(Photo courtesy: Milana Paddock)