(FREDERICTON, NB) The Universite de Montreal Carabins lived up to their ranking, keeping a step ahead of the UNB Reds for a straight sets victory on Friday evening.

The Carabins won by scores of 25-18, 25-23 and 25-20.

While the Reds put up a good fight, the Carabins play was a fraction better for most of the game, with their creativity and powerful kills.

"We had a lot of ups and downs, that was pretty obvious here in this game. We couldn't ride the same wave," said UNB's Connor McConnell (Hanwell, NB). "We were breaking down at certain points when we really shouldn't have, and that allowed Montreal to take the lead and we just couldn't follow through."

After the two teams traded the first eight points back and forth, Montreal scored five straight and would maintain that lead to a 25-18 win in the first set.

The Reds would match the Carabins step for step in the second set, but would again come up short 25-23 to fall behind two sets to none.

UNB would keep the score within reach in the third set yet would see a similar fate and drop the final set 25-20.

"I think we just have to clean up our efficiency overall, our serving was pretty good tonight, blocking was good, but just offensively we need to manage balls better and pass better," said McConnell. 

Leading the way for the Carabins was Youssef Baati (Montreal, QC) with 10 kills and five digs. Julien Boileau (Montreal, QC) with nine kills and four digs.

McConnell led the way for the Reds with nine kills and four digs, while Eduardo Luchese (Bento Goncalves, BRAZIL) had eight kills and six digs.

UNB drops to 4-9, while U SPORTS 10th ranked Montreal improves to 11-3.

The two teams face-off again Saturday at UNB's Currie Centre. Game time is 1:00pm.

RECAP BY: Jonathon James/for UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics