Tigers fall to REDS 3-2

FREDERICTON, N.B. — UNB outlasted Dalhousie in a five-set thriller at the Richard J Currie Center, with scores of 25-18, 24-26, 23-25, 25-18, 15-3. Dalhousie's serving was a highlight, as the team recorded 12 aces in the match.

The first set began with the Tigers taking an early lead due to a block by Ella Hornby against Sonya Nielsen. However, UNB quickly responded, with Nielsen and Isla Olesen contributing to a series of points that gave them a 10-6 lead. Dalhousie called a timeout after a series of errors allowed UNB to surge ahead 14-8, but the visitors struggled to regain momentum. Despite efforts from Hornby and Mel Hatfield, who each recorded kills, Dalhousie could not close the gap. Nielsen's strong performance, including multiple kills, helped UNB secure the set 25-18, with Olesen closing it out with a kill assisted by Talia Nixon.

The Tigers overcame UNB in a tightly contested second set, concluding with a 26-24 victory. The set featured multiple momentum shifts, including a service ace by Paris Stewart that put Dalhousie ahead 7-4. UNB mounted a comeback, equalizing the score at 20-20 with a service ace from Heather Benko. However, Dalhousie responded decisively, with Hornby securing a crucial kill at 25-24, followed by Stewart's set-ending kill, assisted by Madelyn MacLaughlin. Dalhousie's strategic plays and timely execution proved pivotal in closing out the set.

Dalhousie overcame an early deficit to win the third set 25-23 against UNB. The Reds began strongly, leading 4-0 with contributions from Nixon and Benko. The Tigers responded with a 5-0 run, highlighted by an ace from Hatfield and kills from Kasandra Trenke and Hornby. The set remained closely contested, with both teams exchanging points, reaching a tie at 19-19. Dalhousie edged ahead, taking a 24-22 lead after a series of errors by UNB. Hatfield secured the set for Dalhousie with a decisive kill from Quinn McAleer, concluding the set at 25-23.

UNB secured a decisive fourth-set victory over the Tigers, 25-18, to close the match. Benko's early performance with two kills helped UNB establish an initial lead, while service aces from both teams maintained a competitive scoreline. Stewart and Hornby each contributed key points for Dalhousie, narrowing the gap. However, UNB's Nixon assisted on multiple occasions, including a crucial sequence where Benko and Nielsen combined for pivotal kills. Despite Dalhousie's efforts, including a service ace by Hatfield, UNB capitalized on Dalhousie's errors and wrapped up the set with a kill from Nielsen.

In the decisive fifth set, UNB took control early with a strong start, securing the first four points. Benko and Danielle Krzywonos were instrumental in this opening run, contributing blocks and kills. The Tigers called a timeout after falling behind 4-0 but managed to get on the board with a kill by Trenke. Despite Dalhousie's efforts, including a kill by Hornby, UNB extended their lead to 10-3, with Lydia Green and Nielsen contributing key kills. UNB's dominance continued as they capitalized on several attack errors from Dalhousie, ultimately closing out the set 15-3.

Hatfield led the team with 16.5 points, contributing 10 kills and three service aces. Hornby added a team-high 21.5 points, posting 15 kills and four aces. MacLaughlin facilitated the offense with 33 assists and two service aces. Trenke was efficient in attack, recording five kills on 13 attempts for a .385 hitting percentage.

The teams return to the court on Saturday at 1pm for a re-match.