Image Credit: Richard Lam

By Victor Kaisar

WolfPack Volleyball

Wolfpack volleyball teams fall in straight sets to nationally ranked Thunderbirds

Feb 1, 2025 | 11:21 AM

VANCOUVER — It wasn’t a happy start to the weekend for the TRU WolfPack volleyball teams, as they faced off against the nationally ranked UBC Thunderbirds on the road Friday (Jan. 31) night.

The 10-5 WolfPack women, who are ranked eighth in the nation, dropped a 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-21) decision to the top-ranked Thunderbirds, who are 13-2. The loss also meant the WolfPack women have slumped to a season-high three-game losing streak after a pair of losses in Edmonton last weekend.

“These are the struggles of an evolving team that is trying to push from the bottom third of the league to the top third of the league,” Head Coach Chad Grimm said. “These growing pains in perceived pressure situations are going to help us moving forward and in the playoffs.”

“Dealing with those feelings and learning how to play this game at a high level as a team is a work in progress but it’s something that we are starting to capture as we move along.”

Rida Erlalelitepe finished with 15 kills on 30 attacks while Faith Christensen went 7-11 with a block assist for the WolfPack. Keira Gent also added four kills on her five attacks.

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Meanwhile, the WolfPack men gradually grew into their game against the fifth-ranked Thunderbirds, though they came up short in a 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-23) loss.

Matthew Hamilton finished with 11 kills from 16 attacks for the WolfPack. Rylan Ibbetson added another nine kills as well as a pair of block assists, while rookie libero Brandon Johnson finished the night with six digs.

“Tough night to get any rhythm going,” Head Coach Pat Hennelly said. “Matthew Hamilton had a great night but we struggled with the block and defence. UBC played a solid game to their credit.”

The 4-11 WolfPack remain in the hunt for a post-season berth. They’re in 12th place, with the top ten teams qualifying for playoffs.

The WolfPack and Thunderbirds will rematch in Vancouver Saturday night, with the women’s game scheduled for 4:00 p.m. followed by the men at 6:00 p.m.