KELOWNA, B.C. – Out to notch their first-ever win against a prairie opponent that has dogged them in regular and post-season play, the hometown UBC Okanagan Heat were largely their own worst enemy in an eventual victory for the visiting Manitoba Bisons 3-0 in Kelowna Friday night (25-22, 25-17, 25-22).
Now 0-7 in regular season on top of their 0-2 postseason record against Manitoba, the UBC Okanagan men's volleyball squad will have to look themselves in the mirror tonight and come out tomorrow a different team if they want to shake that Bison off of their back.
The Heat committed a total of 18 service errors over the three-set match and, when combined with other error categories, 55% of the Bison's points came from Okanagan blunders.
A downplayed plus for the Heat was their overall outperforming of the Bisons statistically otherwise. Offensively, the team went for a total of 38 kills to Manitoba's 33. In addition, both teams matched up evenly at the net, with both posting 7.0 total blocks. Finally, the Heat's starting libero Jeremy Fostvelt (4th year, Surrey, BC) picked up a game-high eight digs for another stat-category lead for the home team.
Third-year middle Jim Bell (Surrey, BC) was the Heat's Player of the Game for the night as he completed a game-high 17 kill (.387) outing. His fellow third-year middle Leo Schober (Kelowna, BC) was the leading block-getter for the home team with 2.5 total blocks.
Third-year Manitoba right side hitter Devren Drear (St. Andrews, MB) led the Bisons with 14 kills (.379), also chipping in two block assists. Sophomore left side Adam DeJonckheere (Winnipeg, AB) had an efficient, all-around night with nine kills to trail second to Drear (.429) while chipping in seven digs and two block assists.
The Heat are now 0-5 to start the 2014-15 season, while the Bisons improve to 4-1. UBC Okanagan will regroup and retry its attempt at their first win this season and first victory over Manitoba since joining Canada West tomorrow at 8 p.m.
Stream the action from home and view live stats at canadawest.tv.