REDS Ground Aigles Bleues
(FREDERICTON, NB) Before a crowd of more than 800, the UNB REDS scored a straight-sets win over the visiting Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues in Atlantic University Sport women's volleyball action Thursday night, at UNB's Richard J. Currie Center.
The REDS won 25-18, 25-18, and 25-15.
Lydia Green (Bedford, NS) and Sonya Nielsen (Morrin, AB) led a balanced UNB attack with 11 and nine kills respectively.
Nielsen, who also had nine digs, was named Tim Horton's Player of the Game.
"We really stuck to our game plan tonight and were disciplined in following that," said Nielsen. "We did make some changes, and being able to change on the fly, that shows how good we can be and how hard we work to make that happen."
There was considerable back and forth in the opening set before the REDS established a 16-11 lead.
A solid attack game allowed UNB to extend that lead, and Heather Benko (Sechelt, BC) and Sophie Ramier (Fredericton, NB) served aces over the final three points as the REDS won the opener 25-18.
In the second, Moncton pulled out to early leads of 4-2 and 9-5, only to be reeled in by the REDS both times.
Down 14-12, UNB fashioned a 4-0 run to take a 16-14 lead and never looked back, winning the set 25-18.
In the third set, the REDS went on a 5-0 run to build a 19-9 lead on route to their 25-15 set win and the 3-0 victory.
"It kind of confirms all the hard work that we've been putting in," said Nielsen. "To see that translate into the way we played is what matters most."
Jenna Adams (Truro, NS) had a game-high 19 digs while Benko contributed nine digs and five blocks. Isla Olesen (Calgary, AB) registered six blocks.
Jasmine Allain (Richibucto, NB) led Moncton with 18 digs, while Evette Petherick (Port Hope, ON) had seven kills and Cassidy Martin (Saint-Charles de Kent, NB) had 10 assists.
With the win, which avenges last week's loss in Moncton, UNB is now 3-and-5 and tied for fifth place in the AUS standings with Acadia.
"Coming off of a loss last weekend, it just affirmed for us that yes, we can win, we're a good team," said Nielsen. "To do it on our home court, in front of all the club teams that were here tonight was absolutely incredible. To have that support come out, it's super special."
Moncton, now 1-and-7, is in sixth place.
Both teams return to action next Friday (Nov. 29th). The REDS will be in St. John's to take on the Memorial Sea-Hawks. Game time is 6:30pm Atlantic. Moncton will be home to Acadia for a 7:00pm start.
RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics