Jeff Sargeant/UBC Thunderbirds

VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds (2-1) handed the visiting Calgary Dinos (4-1) their first loss of the young Canada West season in a four-set home opening win at War Memorial Gym.

After splitting the first two sets, the 'Birds earned a thrilling third after coming back from a Calgary double set-point to take it 26-24.

"In terms of the result, that was critical," said UBC head coach Doug Reimer. "I think both teams felt they needed that set and then we started to play really well at the start of set four as well."

That comeback was a key turning point in the match as the 'Birds earned a 25-20 fourth set win to clinch their second victory of the young season.

It was a see-saw start to the night with UBC taking the first set by a convincing 25-14 margin while the Dinos followed up with a dominant 25-16 win in the second set.

Things tightened up considerably afterwards with UBC's dramatic third set win proving to be a key momentum swing against a Dinos squad that had dropped only three sets heading into Friday night's tilt.

"We have to clean up some of what we're doing," said Reimer who was pleased with the win but not with his team's overall execution. "Sometimes being able to find a way to gut out certain things or recover is really important so stretches of that were pretty good but I think our expectation level is higher execution wise."

Olivia Furlan led all players with 15 kills while Gabrielle Attieh finished with eight.

Laura McManes led all Dinos with 14 kills. Brianna Solberg recorded five aces from the service line. As a team, the Dinos had nine aces in all.

Despite the loss, Calgary remains atop the Canada West standings with a 4-1 record and 13 total set wins.

The 'Birds have a chance to complete their first weekend sweep of the campaign in Saturday's rematch with the Dinos. First serve is set for 5 p.m. PT at War Memorial Gym.

PHOTO: Wilson Wong/UBC Thunderbirds