(HALIFAX, NS) The Dalhousie Tigers beat the UNB REDS in straight sets, 25-13, 25-22, 25-22 in the Atlantic University Sport 2024-25 season opener for both teams, Friday night in Halifax.
Both squads were even early on, with the score at the midway point of the first set standing at 12-10 for the Tigers despite some excellent play from REDS outside hitter Sonya Nielsen (Morrin, AB). However, Dal would go on a 13-2 run to take the set, with third-year setter Kirsty Longino (Calgary, AB) serving for the last five of those points.
The second set went back and forth, with a total of six lead changes.
Either side could have pulled away at any point, with UNB going on a on four-point run to take the lead before Dalhousie did the same on a five-point streak later in the set.
Ultimately, the Tigers wrested the lead from UNB at 20-19, as a trio of vital kills by Talia Vydykhan (Hammonds Plains, NS) ended the set and put the Tigers firmly in front.
Up two sets, the Tigers looked to put the match to bed. However, a multitude of attack errors on both sides of the net meant the set was up for grabs.
One player who raised her level in the third set was UNB’s Heather Benko (Sechelt, BC), as she had two kills to close the score to a one-point game.
However, the end of this set was much like the one before as Dal won the last three points to secure the victory.
UNB’s player of the game was libero Jenna Adams (Truro, NS), who had 21 digs.
Dal’s player of the game was fifth-year middle Grace Calnan (Dartmouth, NS), who tallied seven kills and a team-leading three blocks.
The REDS and Tigers return to the Dalplex court on Saturday for the finale of the weekend series. First serve is scheduled for 1:00pm.
RECAP BY: Dal Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Nick Pearce/for Dal Athletics