Sports

Photo: Contributed - Vanessa Hodak

In her final year, Kelowna's Alex Basso will be leaned on as a veteran presence by the Heat.

The UBC-Okanagan Heat volleyball teams were in Kamloops to open the 2012-2013 Canada West season Friday night.

The women played a well-rounded game to post a straight set victory over Thompson Rivers University WolfPack (25-15, 25-09, 25-18).

“Any win in Canada West is a good one. It’s the second year in a row we won our season opener so we are pretty pleased,” says Heat Head Coach Steve Manuel.

Fifth year outside hitter Alex Basso of Kelowna had an impressive nine kills and eight digs against the WolfPack. Fourth year outside hitter Myrte Schön also contributed seven kills and six digs.

“[It was a] solid effort all around from everyone as several players stepped up and played well at different times,” says Manuel.

The men's squad were unable to match the women in their season opener. Following the ladies on to the court in Kamloops, the Heat would lose in straight sets to the Wolfpack (25-22, 25-18, 25-16).

Photo: Contributed - Vanessa Hodak

Outside hitter Riley McFarland led the Heat with 14 points against TRU on Friday night.

Fifth year outside hitter Riley McFarland had a game high 13 kills, while fourth year outside hitter Greg Niemantsverdriet from Vernon contributed nine kills and three digs over the course of the three sets.

As a team, UBCO had 20 attack errors, and were only able to convert on 14.8% of their swings on the night.

“We had a poor level of execution,” says Head Coach Greg Poitras.

“They are a big team. If we can’t get their big guys to move, they will be all over us and that was the case tonight.”

The two teams will meet again in Kelowna starting at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at the UBC-Okanagan gymnasium.