UNB tops Dal 3-1

(Halifax, N.S.) – Outside hitter Elvind Andersen (Sardness, NOR) was the difference maker on Saturday afternoon at the Dalplex as the UNB Varsity Reds (7-7) defeated the Dalhousie Tigers (8-4) 3-1 (13-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-15).

Andersen finished the contest with 21 kills and a .333 hitting percentage. Outside hitter Matthew Donovan (London, ON) recorded a team-high 12 kills for the Tigers.

The Varsity Reds jumped out to an early 8-4 advantage, led by Andersen, who finished the first set with five kills.

Dalhousie fought back however. They recorded five straight points and wouldn't relinquish the lead for the remainder of the set. Matthew Woods (Halifax, NS) played a big role for the Tigers, with two critical blocks as well as a service ace.

Andersen picked up where he left off in the first set for UNB, registering six of the Varsity Red's first 10 points, as the visitors took an early three point lead.

The Tigers would claw back towards the end of the set, trimming the Varsity Reds lead to one at 23-22, but were unable to complete the comeback.

Andersen finished the set with seven kills, while Donovan led the way for the Tigers with five.

UNB carried their momentum into the third set, taking a commanding 10-point lead which they wouldn't relinquish. Andersen was too strong on the attack yet again, with four kills, while outside hitter Francois Pitre-Pelletier (Balmoral Sud, NB) contributed two solo blocks.

The Varsity Reds vaulted out to an early 5-0 lead in the fourth set, due in part to a few costly errors from the Tigers. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to mount a consistent attack as the Varsity Reds sealed the contest. Andersen was the catalyst once more for the visitors with five kills.

Dalhousie is back in action on the road next Saturday as they take on Memorial, while UNB has a week off, and will play again on February 10th in the third AUS-RSEQ Interlock event of the season.