VB: UBC, WPG hitters fearless in statement games
Neaves, Parker named CW Players of the Week
CALGARY – UBC's Matt Neaves and Winnipeg's Emma Parker were named the Canada West Volleyball Players of the Week by the conference on Tuesday.
Neaves was a game-changer this weekend, going off for 37 kills against the Brandon Bobcats Friday evening. That mark puts him second in the CW record book for kills in a single match. He converted at a rate of .357 and put up five digs as well.
Neaves bested his 38-point mark from a week ago to post 39.5 points, tying him for second-best points in a match in conference history.
His play was instrumental in the Thunderbirds edging out the Bobcats in the five-set thriller. He returned Saturday with 15 kills, working even more efficiently this time at a rate of .444. The hitter was also good for four service aces, three blocks and five digs as he led the T-Birds to a 3-1 victory over the Bobcats.
Neaves' efforts helped UBC improve to 3-1 on the season.
He and the Thunderbirds will be back in action Friday and Saturday when they host MacEwan at 7:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. respectively. You can catch the action exclusively on Canada West TV.
Game log:
Oct. 28: 37K (.357), 2 SA, 1BA, 5 digs, 39.5 points in 3-2 W at BDN
Oct. 29: 15K (.444), 4SA, 3 blocks, 5 digs, 21 points in 3-1 W at BDN
Meanwhile, Emma Parker led her Winnipeg Wesmen as they looked to take down last year's CW silver medalists, the Alberta Pandas.
Parker slammed down 15 kills Friday evening, working just as hard on the defensive side with 13 digs. The all-around player notched just one less than the team's libero as the Wesmen fell to the Pandas, 3-1.
Parker was determined to flip the script for the underdog Wesmen Saturday, leading all hitters on the court with 21 kills while matching that in digs. Parker's tough and convincing play pushed the Wesmen past the Pandas in five sets.
The left side hitter has been a central figure in the team's strong start to the season. Winnipeg is now 3-1 with a 10-6 sets won/loss differential.
Parker and the Wesmen will be back in action on Friday and Saturday when they travel to take on the Thompson Rivers WolfPack at 7:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. respectively. You can catch the games exclusively on Canada West TV.
Game log:
Oct. 28: 15 kills (.116), 1SA, 1BS, 13 digs, 17 points in 3-1 L vs ALB
Oct. 29: 21 kills (.190), 1SA, 2BA, 21 digs, 23 points in 3-2W vs ALB