V-Reds volleyballers pushed to limit

University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds opened up their regular-season schedule in the Atlantic University Sport women's volleyball conference with a split of a pair of five-set matches in Nova Scotia.

V-Reds under the coaching of John Richard trailed Cape Breton Capers 2-0 after losing 29-27 and 25-20 before roaring back to win the final three sets and the match on Saturday.

UNB won the third set 25-18, followed that up with a 25-21 win in the fourth set and completed the rally with a 16-14 victory in the final set.

Fifth year left-side Erica Hay (Sussex, NB) had 20 kills, five service aces and 12 digs to pace UNB in this match. Fifth-year left-side Jill Blanchard (Saint John, NB) also had a big match with 17 kills and 10 digs while second year Amanda Bakker added 38 assists.

V-Reds weren't as successful yesterday, losing 3-2 to St. Francis Xavier X-Women in Antigonish including 18-16 in the fifth and final set. UNB won the first set, 25-15, dropped the next two, 25-16 and 26-24, rebounded to win the fourth set 26-24 before losing the decisive fifth.

Blanchard again played a key role for UNB with 14 kills and 18 points along with 16 digs. Hay had 12 kills while Bakker added 36 assists. UNB held match point four times in the fifth but couldn't seal the deal.

"To have match point four times and not get it was frustrating, but I give our girls credit as we didn't back off,'' said Richard.

"St. FX made plays which if you're going to lose, is the way you want to do down.''

UNB is off until Saturday, Nov. 6 when they host Memorial University in a pair of matches at the UNB main gym. The men's volleyball at UNB begins action this weekend.