Morphet records 15 kills in loss

FREDERICTON, N.B. — Dalhousie fell to the UNB REDS in a three-set match at the Richard J Currie Center on Friday, with scores of 31-33, 18-25, 18-25. Dalhousie recorded 37 kills in the match, while the REDS capitalized on a .323 hitting percentage to secure the victory.

The first set opened with Dalhousie and the REDS trading points closely, setting a competitive tone. Jacob Oyler and Dillan Morphet led Dalhousie's attack with multiple kills, while Finn McMorran consistently set up his teammates for the REDS. Each team encountered service errors, adding to the tense back-and-forth play. As the set progressed, Morphet's attacks were frequently countered by the REDS' effective blocking, notably by McMorran and Travis Pruim. The set extended beyond the usual 25-point mark, with the REDS ultimately clinching a narrow 33-31 victory following consecutive blocks by Pruim and Nicolas Losier against Morphet's attacks.

The REDS took control of the second set with a series of early kills by Losier and Moritz Möhring, both assisted by McMorran, establishing a 5-1 lead. Dalhousie struggled with service errors, contributing to the REDS' advantage. Despite a brief rally from Dalhousie, including kills by Oyler and Morphet, the REDS extended their lead to 17-8 with consecutive service aces by Jayden Chiasson. Dalhousie attempted a comeback with a service ace from Samuel Gallagher, but the REDS maintained their dominance. The set concluded with Dalhousie committing a service error, giving the REDS a 25-18 victory.

In the third set, the REDS secured a strong 25-18 victory over Dalhousie, propelled by a series of effective plays from Losier and McMorran. Losier was instrumental, contributing multiple kills, particularly during a critical stretch that saw the REDS extend their lead to 6-2. Despite Dalhousie's efforts, highlighted by Morphet's consistent kills with assists from Gallagher, they struggled to close the gap. The set concluded with the REDS clinching the final points through a service ace by Benjamin Sullivan, solidifying their advantage.

Morphet led his squad with 15 kills, contributing significantly to his 15.5 total points. Gallagher facilitated the team's offensive efforts by recording 28 assists and adding six digs on defense. Oyler posted eight kills with a .226 hitting percentage and added five digs to his defensive tally. Luke Enstrom efficiently converted three of his six attack attempts into kills, achieving a .500 hitting percentage, while also contributing two assists.

The teams return to the court on Saturday at 3pm.