(ST. JOHN’S, NL) The UNB REDS opened a three-game weekend series at Memorial University with a 3-1 win over the Sea-Hawks, 25-21, 25-27, 25-18 and 25-18.
The majority of the first set consisted of tight back-and-forth play by both teams.
An early kill by Kindigo Watson (Calgary, AB) gave the REDS some early momentum, but three straight Memorial aces by Karen Greek (Mount Pearl, NL) tied the score midway through the set.
REDS’ setter Paige Lehto (North Vancouver, BC) also served well, contributing eight assists, as UNB won the first set 25-21.
The second set began with some very tight play early on. A kill and some solid serving by Janeen Pellatt (Yorkton, SK) gave the Sea-Hawks some momentum. But, strong attacking play by Heather Benko (Sechelt, BC) and Bailey Lemieux (Fredericton, NB) pulled the REDS even.
After some more back and forth play, some more solid serving by Pellatt and a block by Halle Wirth (Winnipeg, MB) put the Sea-Hawks ahead 20-18.
It seemed like the Sea-Hawks would take the set, but the REDS were able to tie the score at 24. The REDS put up a strong effort, however the Sea-Hawks did prevail, 27-25.
UNB came out strong in the third set, and some great serving by Watson along with powerful attacking plays gave the REDS an early lead of 11-4.
Memorial was able to stay in the game, but UNB was able to hold their lead for the remainder of the set and win 25-18 for a 2-1 lead.
The Sea-Hawks pulled ahead early in the fourth, but the REDS are able to tie it 7-7.
After some tight play, UNB moved in front, helped by two big blocks from Isla Olesen (Calgary, AB) and three kills from Meghan Vaags (Abbotsford, BC).
UNB won the third set 25-18, taking the match 3-1.
“Tonight was another test for our group,” said REDS head coach Richard Schick. “Memorial played aggressively and game-planned well to force us into some uncomfortable situations.”
“We’re still searching for consistency in some of our individual performances, but I felt our setters did an excellent job executing what we’ve emphasized in training.”
Watson led the REDS with nine kills, while Lemieux and Vaags had seven apiece.
Benko registered three kills and 12 digs.
Vaags was named the Subway Player of the Game.
Nella Woelfel (St. John’s, NL) led Memorial with nine kills, while Kamryn Sanger (Paradise, NL) had an impressive 17 digs.
With the win, the REDS are now 5-and-7 and sit in fourth place in the Atlantic University Sport standings.
The Sea-Hawks, now 0-and-9, are last.
The teams meet again Saturday. First serve is scheduled for 11:30am Atlantic.
RECAP BY: Olivia Ryan/for MUN Athletics