REDS beat Tigers in straight sets

FREDERICTON, N.B. — Dalhousie fell to the UNB REDS in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 29-27, on Saturday afternoon at the Richard J. Currie Center. The REDS improved to 4-0 on the season with the win.

The opening set began with Dalhousie taking an early lead, with Paris Stewart securing the first point through a kill assisted by Madelyn MacLaughlin. However, the REDS responded with a series of plays, including consecutive kills by Sonya Nielsen from Talia Nixon, to shift the momentum in their favor. Despite errors from both sides, the REDS maintained a narrow lead, with Lydia Green contributing significantly to their score. Dalhousie's attempts to close the gap were met with strong opposition, as Nixon and Heather Benko continued to find success at the net. Ultimately, the set concluded with the REDS' Jenna Adams sealing a 25-21 victory for the home team.

In the second set, Dalhousie took an early lead with a series of blocks, including a block by Kasandra Trenke and Ella Hornby that put them up 2-0. The REDS responded by capitalizing on a service error and a kill by Green from Nixon to close the gap to 5-4. Dalhousie managed to tie the set at 20-20 with an ace by Ella Oakley and a subsequent kill by Trenke. However, the REDS pulled ahead, aided by a Nixon kill and consecutive attack errors by Dalhousie, to secure the set 25-22, with the final point coming from an attack error by Mel Hatfield.

The third set saw the REDS narrowly edge Dalhousie 29-27 in a dramatic conclusion. The REDS started strong with consecutive kills by Benko, opening a 2-0 lead. Dalhousie responded with a series of points, including a service ace by Dominika Aniolowska and a kill by Hatfield, taking a 4-2 advantage. The teams exchanged leads multiple times, with Dalhousie capitalizing on a series of REDS attack errors to build a 24-19 lead. However, the REDS mounted a comeback, tying the score at 24-24 with a service ace. After a tense exchange of points, the REDS sealed the set victory with a decisive kill from Green, assisted by Nixon.

MacLaughlin led the team with 30 assists, distributing the ball effectively across the court. Trenke contributed six kills and added defensively with four total blocks. Hatfield recorded 11 kills and nine digs, providing a balanced performance on both ends. Aniolowska finished with five kills and three blocks, showcasing her impact at the net.

Dalhousie holds an overall record of 0-2 and a conference record of 1-4. The REDS maintain an overall record of 2-0 and a conference record of 4-0.