(QUEBEC CITY, QC) The UNB REDS fell three sets to two in a tight back-and-forth match against the Laval Rouge et Or in first game of their RSEQ best of three semi-final series, Friday night in Quebec City.
Laval won with scores of 25-19, 28-30, 23-25, 27-25, and 15-13.
“I’m proud of the way we battled tonight,” said REDS’ head coach Dan McMorran. “This group continues to grow in several areas, which is why our level continues to elevate. Laval played well, but we expected that and were prepared for that.”
Rafael Hilario (Rio de Janeiro, BRA) led the REDS offence with a match-high 26 kills and nine digs, while Jacob Harris (Clarenville, NL) followed with 16 kills and Scott Mann (Winnipeg, MB) with 13 digs.
Max Losier (Ottawa, ON) led Laval with 23 kills and 11 digs, paired with Nicolas Fortin’s (Clermont, QC) 22 kills and 11 digs.
Both competitors showed why they deserve to advance to the RSEQ final.
The teams exchanged leads throughout the back-and-forth first set, but neither could hold a significant advantage.
Laval scored four straight points, finishing their steak with the first set win, 25-19.
The second set followed a similar theme, with both teams fighting for a substantial lead. Late in the set, Laval led with a three-point run, which UNB mirrored to pull to within one at 22-21.
Finishing with a score of 30-28, the REDS secured the set win, evening the match at one set each.
UNB ran out to an early 7-3 lead in the third set, birthed from a kill by Lex Guimond (Baie-Sainte Anne, NB). However, Laval battled back with a kill from Jonathan Girard (Donnacona, QC), passing the REDS and leading 17-14.
Nick Glynn (Fredericton, NB) helped the REDS score a 25-23 third-set victory with a service ace, taking a 2-1 lead.
Laval responded, opening the fourth set with a four-point run to 6-2.
The REDS chased the home team’s lead throughout the set but couldn’t do better than tying their opponent. Laval earned the final two points for a 27-25 set win.
The fifth set continued in extremely close fashion.
The teams exchanged the lead, but Laval ended it on top, winning the set 15-13 and the game three sets to two.
The REDS and Rouge et Or meet again Saturday, in game two of the series, with UNB on the brink of elimination.
“We know that this is a best of three series, and we’re certainly looking forward to the challenge tomorrow,” said Coach McMorran.
First serve is scheduled for 8:30pm Atlantic.
RECAP BY: Madison Tucker/UNB Athletics
PHOTO: File