Nouwen leads Tigers past l'Aigles Bleues 3-0, Tigers off to AUS Finals

(HALIFAX, N.S.) - The first-seeded Dalhousie Tiger defeated the fourth-seeded University of Moncton Aigles Bleus 3-0 in the first semifinal match of the 2014 Subway AUS women's volleyball championship at the Dalplex. With the win, the Tigers head to their third straight AUS final as they try to defend their AUS title.

Set scores were 25-16, 25-13, 25-19

The crowd errupted at the Dalplex when AUS MVP Maggie Li and first team AUS all-star Desiree Nouwen teamed up for a big block at the end of the game to seal the deal in the third set for the Tigers, who picked apart Moncton with a stifling attack all game long.

The Tigers controlled the pace of the game for the most part, and Moncton's excellent defensive efforts just weren't enough as they fell to the defending champions.

Nouwen had 16 kills and 20.5 points to lead the Tigers, while second team AUS all-star Tara Gowan had 11 kills and 13.5 points. Abby Czenze was named the Subway player of the game for her stellar play.

Rachelle Lemoine and Natasha Leblanc each had 7.5 points to lead the Aigles Bleues in the loss and they combined for 13 kills. The Subway player of the game for the Aigles Bleues was Judith Desjardins.

The Tigers will face off against the winner of the Saint Mary's Huskies and the UNB Varsity Reds, who hit the court at 7:00pm on Saturday night looking to earn a berth in Sunday's final at 2:00pm.

All matches of the championship tournament can be seen live via webcast at www.AUStv.ca .

Source: Dalhousie Sports Information

Photo courtesy of Nick Pearce