T-Birds Stay Hot Despite Cascades’ Scoring Ahead of Season Finale

Casey Halston

Published: February 13, 2026 2:58 AM ET

T-Birds Stay Hot Despite Cascades’ Scoring Ahead of Season Finale

The UBC Thunderbirds showcased resilience and determination in their recent match against the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades. Competing in the second-to-last weekend of the Canada West regular season, UBC aimed to strengthen their position near the top of the conference standings. As they approached the match, UBC held third place, while UFV was sitting in seventh, battling for post-season eligibility. Ultimately, UBC secured a hard-fought victory, winning 3-1.

T-Birds Dominate Despite Cascades’ Early Resilience

The match began competitively, with UFV surprising UBC by taking a quick 4-0 lead. The Thunderbirds struggled to find their rhythm initially. However, junior Lucy Borowski initiated a turning point with a crucial block alongside teammate Jocelyn Lenarcic, which halted the Cascades’ momentum. From that point onward, UBC began leveraging its defensive strengths.

Key Players Step Up

Lucy Borowski: Critical blocks and kills.
Issy Robertshaw: Aces and decisive plays that shifted momentum.
Kylee Glanville: Contributed vital points to maintain leads.
Elizabeth Lee: Strong defensive presence.
Talia Attieh (UFV): Key attacker for the Cascades.

Despite their slow start, UBC began to find their groove, with solid blocking becoming a significant aspect of their offense. The Thunderbirds took the first set 25-18, revitalizing their confidence.

Momentum Swings in the Second Set

The second set presented a different challenge for UBC. UFV quickly took the lead again, but the Thunderbirds countered effectively. They initially maintained a modest lead, demonstrating improved cohesion compared to earlier matches. However, UFV orchestrated an impressive 8-0 run, flipping a 7-13 deficit to a 15-13 advantage.

This sudden momentum shift caught UBC off guard. Despite a quick response by Borowski, the Cascades ultimately won the second set 25-18. UBC recognized the need to step up their game to avoid further surprises.

Strong Comeback in the Third Set

In the critical third set, UBC’s team dynamics transformed. Borowski and Robertshaw delivered crucial plays, including aces that revitalized the Thunderbirds’ attack. With the score tightly contested at 19-18, seasoned player Lenarcic helped stabilize the defense and allowed UBC to regain its composure, leading to a 25-21 victory.

Decisive Moments in the Fourth Set

The final set began with UFV taking an early lead once again, but UBC quickly recovered. A series of blocks and kills from the Thunderbirds highlighted their determination to close out the match. With the score at 23-16, victory seemed near for UBC.

Yet, UFV surged back, reducing the margin to just two points at 24-22. In a tense finish, UBC regained their focus, sealing the match with a final kill from Sol Henson, winning 25-22.

Conclusions and Next Steps

This match underscored UBC’s ability to absorb pressure and adjust strategies effectively. The team’s robust blocking and the calming presence of veteran players proved vital. For UFV, their performance showed that even lower-seeded teams can pose a threat during the playoffs.

With the regular season nearing its conclusion, UBC now prepares for their last regular-season matches against their rivals, the UBC Okanagan Heat. Each performance is crucial as they head towards the playoffs, with the Thunderbirds proving difficult opponents even when not at their best.