Upstart Pandas atone for Friday night's collapse

Lenai Schmidt (5th year, Vernon, BC) and the Heat were able to earn a split this weekend versus the Alberta Pandas (Credit: Alex Hill)

Women's Volleyball (Canada West conference play)

Saturday, January 25th, 2014 BOX SCORE | SCHEDULE & RESULTS

UBC's Okanagan campus gymnasium, Kelowna, BC

Kelowna, BC - After a thrilling come-back victory Friday night, the Heat women's volleyball team were unable to provide the answer for the Panda attack Saturday night in Alberta's straight-set 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-15) in Kelowna.

Meg Casault and Karly Janssen led the way for Alberta, combining for 25 of the Panda's 44 kills in the match. Defensively, Jessie Niles had a fantastic game from the libero position with 19 total digs.

Leading the way for the Heat was Katy Klomps (3rd year, Surrey, BC), who had eight kills and two total blocks for UBC Okanagan. Kaitlynn Given, Megan Festival, and Brianna Beamish would chip in a combined 12 kills as well for the Heat.

The win vaults to Pandas back to .500 with a record of 9-9, while the Heat slip to 11-7 after the home loss.

Not one to dwell on a loss, a forward-looking Steve Manuel was quick to shift the focus to the Heat's upcoming weekend versus the Manitoba Bisons - a crucial series for both clubs as they sit tied for fourth in the Canada West standings.

"It's not going to stop," said Manuel, referencing the Heat's strength of schedule over the past few weeks. Manuel indicated that he is fortunate that his team has built up somewhat of a cushion and because of that they’re not in panic mode.

And they shouldn't be. After all, it's all about peaking at the right time, and the remaining four games versus Manitoba and Regina will provide the opportunity to do so.

While Manitoba and Regina have played the upset role in two big games for their respective schools, they have also shown glaring holes in their game, and are by no means infallible. However, both teams are sure to provide a tough test for the Heat, as both are fighting for position amongst an ever-tightening Canada West playoff picture.

Up first will be the 11-7 Manitoba Bisons, who play host to the Heat this coming Friday and Saturday. With both teams tied for fourth place, and a home-playoff berth likely riding on a weekend sweep for either team, there will be plenty to play for in the final road weekend series of the season.

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