REDS Go 3-1 At Wesmen Classic

(WINNIPEG, MB) The UNB REDS’ men’s volleyball team is returning home from a successful mid-season trip to Winnipeg for the 2023 Wesmen Classic, hosted by the University of Winnipeg.

The REDS went 3-and-1 at the exhibition tournament that included fellow RSEQ members Dalhousie and Laval as well as UBCO, Guelph, Manitoba, Brandon and the host Wesmen.

“We came out here to get four quality matches against tough Canada West opponents, and to do so with the added stresses that travel, differences in time zones, and not a lot of prior preparation can create,” said REDS’ head coach Dan McMorran.

The REDS opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over the University of Manitoba Bisons in the first of two Thursday matches. Later, they fell 3-2 in a dramatic match against the host Wesmen.

On Friday, the REDS beat the UBCO Heat 3-1.

On Saturday, they wrapped up their tourney run with a straight sets win over the Brandon University Bobcats.

“I thought we had a solid match,” said REDS’ setter Lucas Maffia. “We had very consistent serving and our energy was good throughout the match. It was also very nice to get the win against Brandon after the two very close games we had against them in the preseason.”

The REDS played host to the Bobcats for two exhibition matches in October.

Brandon won both matches, needing five sets both times.

“I also think we should be proud with our overall performance in the tournament coming out with a 3-1 record,” added Maffia. “That’s a great start to our second half of the season.”

Veteran REDS’ outside hitter Nick Glynn was named a tournament all-star.

“Four matches over three days is a big load, and I thought our guys responded well,” said Coach McMorran. “We used a variety of players and a variety of lineups, and saw a lot of positives, which will hopefully help us as we start a tough second half.”

The REDS resume their 2023-24 RSEQ regular season on January 12^th and 13^th at Laval.

UNB’s will host four home matches in January. The 19^th and 20^th against the Montreal Carabins and the 26^thand 27^th against Dal.

The REDS, Tigers and Carabins begin the second half in a three-way tie for third in the RSEQ standings.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Matthew Carvell/for Wesmen Athletics