Vancouver, BC - The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades fell in three sets (25-21, 25-23, 25-22) to the UBC Thunderbirds on Saturday evening.

UBC improved to 2-0 with the win, while UFV falls to 0-2 to start the season. 

The Thunderbirds built up a 24-16 lead in the first set, and despite the Cascades rattling off the next five points, UBC finished it off 25-21.

 The Cascades got off to a better start in the second, taking a 16-10 lead, but UBC fought back to level the score at 19, before sneaking out a 25-23 set win.

Both teams traded blows in the third but it was UBC who once again prevailed, closing out the match 25-22.

"We tried to utilize our bench tonight and I think it  made UBC make some adjustments that they didn't plan for, but unfortunately it didn't work out to get the win tonight" explained UFV head coach Janelle Rozema.

"But I think it's hopeful for the future that we can get players in and use our depth."

Gabby Attieh paced the Cascades with 17 kills and 13 digs on the night, while Elise Petit led the Thunderbirds with 14 kills and four service aces.

"Gabby is such a good attacker for us wherever we put her" Rozema noted on her outside hitter's performance over the weekend. 

"She has such a range of experience in the different places we can put her, and it means that teams have to find her and plan for how to stop her."

UFV is back in action for their home opener next Friday at 8pm against the Trinity Western Spartans. Meanwhile, the Thunderbirds now travel to Brandon for a matchup with the Bobcats.