MVB: Bears cruise into Round 2 with 3-1 victory over UBC

EDMONTON - The Alberta Golden Bears will host Canada West Round 2 action as a result of an four set (25-17, 21-25, 25-20, 25-18) victory over the UBC Thunderbirds that captured the Pool B title Saturday evening at the Saville Centre.

With the win the Bears finish 3-0 in Round 1 action, and with it earn the right to host either Pool D or E action depending on the result of the Pool A game between the Brandon Cougars and the Trinity Western Spartans.

The Thunderbirds needed a win to stay alive in the CW title hunt, and with the loss will be replaced by the Saskatchewan Huskies who travel to Langley for Pool D action.

Alberta's Isaac Heslinga continued one of the most impressive CW rookie campaigns in recent memory finishing with a game-high 21 kills. Middle Billy Johnstone had an impressive night himself, pacing the game with a monstrous .545 hitting percentage to go along with eight kills and two total blocks.

UBC had standout performers in second-year Cole Brandsma and fourth-year Gerard Murray who finished with 13 and nine kills respectively.

Alberta played well in a 25-17 first set victory. While neither team dominated on the attack, it was the Golden Bears who were better at limiting errors in the frame. Alberta recorded five service aces, including two from second-year Cam Kern. UBC's Cole Brandsma had a set-high five kills and added two digs.

UBC roared back in an entertaining second set, which finished 25-21 in favor of the TBirds. Setter Mason Greves played conductor in the frame, setting up five different UBC players with kills and finishing with a set-high nine assists. While the Thunderbirds attack wasn't clinically efficient, their defence more than made up for it earning a stalwart six total blocks in the frame.

Both squads tightened up their attack in the third set, but it was Heslinga and the Bears who came out on top 25-20. He finished with a staggering nine kills and added an ace for good measure. Brandsma led UBC with three kills.

Heslinga would not let up from there. He had six kills to lead the Bears to a 25-18 set and game victory. Alberta setter Max Elgert was outstanding in the frame, recording 11 assists to go with a block. The TBirds Liu had his best set of the day with five kills.

While the fate of other teams rest in the result between Trinity Western and Brandon, the Bears know that they will be hosting two other teams next weekend.