UBC media
Chilliwack native Mariah Bruinsma is a national volleyball champion.
Bruinsma’s UBC Thunderbirds won their fifth consecutive CIS women’s volleyball title on Sunday, taking a five set come-from-behind win over the top ranked Alberta Pandas at McMaster University’s Arthur Burridge Gymnasium.
Scores in the sets were 25-21, 15-25, 19-25, 25-20, 15-12.
The deciding set saw Bruinsma’s T-Birds take an 8-7 lead that they would never relinquish. UBC collected five quick points, then pecked away until the championship point at 15-12.
Lisa Barclay (Brandon, MB) had three kills in the final set and was named UBC’s top player in the game.
The second-year player registered 18.5 points on 12 kills, five service aces and 1.5 blocks in the game.
Barclay collected tournament MVP honours.
UBC head coach Doug Reimer thought his team did well in staying close with Alberta, who in his mind outplayed the T-Birds for much of the match.
“We found a way. I think of the first set as symbolic of the rest,” said Reimer “We were able to hang in there and turn things around. I couldn’t be prouder of this group. A lot of teams when they are getting it handed to them and when it’s not what you are excepting to happen... they kinda go away. We never did.”