The University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat are the new queens of VolleyBarbados.
Packing a firepower which could help reduce the chill in their homeland, the Heat defeated and displaced former queens the University of Montreal Carabins in the final on Friday night at the Wildey Gymnasium. They won in three brutal sets, 25-22, 25-22, 25-15.
MVP Kaitlynn Given, Katy Klomps, Katharine Wuttunee, Brianna Beamish and Megan Festival played a game of attack and defence that saw them playing unbeaten through the tournament. Montreal’s strong defence and counter-attack should have given them at least one set.
After losing the opening set, the Carabins rushed to a score of 19-11 thanks to outstanding spiking from Vicky Savard and Alexis Loewen. However, the Heat remarkably reeled back in the Carabins before taking the set at 22.
After letting slip such an advantage, the Carabins meekly surrendered the third set and the match, along with their crown. Coach Olivier Trudel said he did not mind losing the title since it was an indication that the fourth edition of the tournament was better than the previous three.
Trudel, who has taken part in all of the editions, was rewarded by organizer Paul White for coordinating the participation of the Canadian teams.
Heat coach Steve Manuel said the tournament exceeded all of his expectations.
“I have visited Barbados before so I was aware of the warmth and hospitality of the people. I also knew a bit about your volleyball and your organization,” he said. “However, the level of operation and competition in this series as well as the involvement and warmth of the Barbadians definitely exceeded all of my expectations.
“Our participation in the tournament has been a tremendous boost for our pre-season preparation as we play the No.1 team in Canada on Friday and that team play a similar game to Brandon.”
Brandon University lost only one game, but it was at the wrong time, in the semi-finals. They won the third-place play-off by rallying to defeat Calgary 17-25, 16-25, 25-9, 25-21, 15-8.