Late Push Lifts REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS staged a late third set rally to beat the Dalhousie Tigers in straight sets in Atlantic University Sport women’s volleyball action, Saturday afternoon at UNB’s Richard J. Currie Center.

Up two-sets-to-none, but trailing 24-19 in the third, the REDS put together a 6-0 run to grab a 25-24 lead.

The teams then tied 25-25, 26-26, and 27-27 before UNB scored consecutive points for the win, the final point coming on a long and dramatic 32-touch rally.

The REDS won 25-21, 25-22, and 29-27.

In a bit of a see-saw-like first set, the teams traded points to 11-11 when the REDS went on a 4-0 run to go ahead 15-11.

The REDS were able to maintain a lead the rest of the way, winning the opening set 25-21.

The second set saw Dal jump out to an early lead, but the REDS didn’t let that last long.

When the REDS pushed out to an 11-8 lead, Tigers head coach Patrick Murray called timeout.

UNB continued to generate momentum, extending their lead to 17-12 before another Dal timeout.

The tactic paid off, and the Tigers went on a 4-0 run, closing the gap to 17-16.

The Tigers fought back and re-took a lead at 21-20, prompting a UNB timeout.

The REDS scored five of the next six points to take the second set 25-22.

In the third set, Heather Benko served back-to-back aces early to give UNB a 6-4 lead, a lead quickly eliminated by the Tigers, who went ahead 7-6.

When Dal increased their lead to 14-11, UNB head coach Lauren Hale-Miller looked to stifle the momentum with another timeout.

Dal continued to build, eventually leading 24-19 ahead of the REDS’ big rally.

Lydia Green led the REDS with 10 kills and 15 digs. She was named Tim Horton’s Player of the Game.

Jenna Adams recorded 20 digs, and Talia Nixon added 14 digs and 24 assists.

Defensively, Isla Olesen put up four blocks.

Mel Hatfield led Dal with a game-high 11 kills while Ali Nadalini had 14 digs, and Madelyn MacLaughlin registered 30 assists.

The REDS, now 3-and-0, take to the road next weekend, heading to Halifax for a two-game series with the Saint Mary’s Huskies. The first of the two matches, on Friday, is scheduled to start at 7:00pm.

Dal, now 1-and-3, return home and will host Acadia on Friday.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB REDS