February 22- The #2-ranked University of Calgary Dinos needed all five sets to finish off the #3-ranked University of British Columbia T-Birds on Friday night at the Canada West Final Four conference championships in Winnipeg (25-16, 25-20, 25-27, 20-25, 21-19).

Calgary (16-4; playoffs 3-0) swept the University of Regina to get to the Final Four while the T-Birds (17-3; playoffs 2-1) got past Brandon University in the other Canada West first round playoff series. 

The Dinos fell behind by two sets to UBC but seemed to find key points at the right times, particularly in the final set, when they faced defeat on countless occasions. Calgary was facing defeat at points 14 and 15 and seemed to be on the ropes but persevered in rallying situations.

“Wow. That was an incredible finish. The turning point didn’t come until that last point,” said Dinos head coach Kevin Boyles shortly after the game. “We won’t have any shortage of motivation tomorrow night against our provincial rivals (Alberta).  We’ve seen two upsets now and tomorrow we will be relaxed and ready to have some fun.”

Right side hitter Holly Harper (15 kills) and left side hitter Lauren Perry (18 kills) led the way statistically for the Dinos, who had a remarkable 14 game winning streak earlier on in the regular season. UBC was led by Liz Cordonier (17 kills on 48 total attacks) and Jamie Broder (16 kills on 34 total attacks).

Fifth-year setter and Canada West conference player of the year Carla Bradstock had the favored T-Birds humming along early as they seemed to find the right mix of attack shots for the defensively-strong Dinos.

Led by Holly Harper and Lauren Perry, the Dinos stormed back, evening the match at two sets, as they pounded away up the middle and chased UBC shots all across the court.  The T-Birds, sensing the game was getting out of control, began to commit several unforced errors and looked rattled.

The Dinos took the wild fifth set, using their never-say-die attitude to battle back from several late disadvantages in which the University of British Columbia seemed to destined to capture the match. Calgary took the all-important final two points, capping the comeback with a 21-19 match victory.

The Dinos will play the University of Alberta Pandas in the gold medal match tomorrow night at 8 p.m.CT. at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.  Meanwhile, the T-Birds will play the University of Manitoba Bisons in the bronze medal game at 6 p.m CT. Three of the four teams competing in the Canada West Final Four conference championships will receive a berth in the 2008 CIS National Championship in Fredericton, New Brunswick.