The Varsity Reds travelled to Newfoundland for two matches against the Memorial Seahawks this past weekend in AUS men’s volleyball action. UNB are currently in second spot in the conference and could move within two points of first place Dalhousie with two wins on the Rock, while Memorial would look to secure their first win of the season. This weekend also marked a homecoming of sorts for UNB first-year player, Brett LeDrew. The 6’6” LeDrew (Clarenville, NF) had plenty of family and friends on hand for his debut as a Varsity Red.
Saturday, February 5th - UNB 3 MUN 0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-23)
In the first two sets, the Varsity Reds controlled the play and dominated in every aspect of the game. Memorial would put up a strong fight in the third with some gritty defense and a two big blocks down the stretch, but it would be a huge kill from Tyler Veenhuis to finish the set and the match.
Veenhuis was the AUS “Player of the Game”, recording a match high 13 kills, 3 blocks, and 10 digs.
Sunday, February 6th – UNB 3 MUN 1 (25-10, 25-27, 25-20, 25-17)
A near perfect set of volleyball resulted in the Varsity Reds steamrolling the Seahawks 25-10 in the first set of action on Day Two. Unfortunately that same focus didn’t transfer into the second set, as the UNB made several unforced errors and allowed Memorial to stick with them point for point. UNB would lead 23-20 late in the set but couldn’t seal the deal, and Memorial would tie the set at 25-25. Two consecutive attack errors allowed the Seahawks to tie the match at 1-1. Two first-year players would get an opportunity to start the third set, as Marc White and Brett LeDrew would enter the match for the Varsity Reds. UNB got back on track for both the third and fourth, and would take the match 3-1.
Matt Sweet was the AUS “Player of the Game”, recording a match high 12 kills (with only 2 errors), 5 digs, 1 block, and 1 ace.
COACH’S COMMENTS
“We didn’t play as consistent as we wanted to in both of the matches, and we struggled to find any real rhythm against them. Credit to Memorial, however, as they played some inspired volleyball in their last two matches of the season. We now will be very busy in the days ahead as we prepare for our upcoming matches against Dalhousie.”
The win puts UNB two points behind Dalhousie in the race for first place in the conference. The Varsity Reds and Dalhousie will battle for home court advantage in the playoffs next weekend at the LB Gym, as UNB will host the Tigers in the last two regular season games.
Match times are 8:30pm Saturday, February 12th, and 4:00pm Sunday, February 13th, with the women playing at 6:30pm and 2:00pm respectively.