For the first time in two seasons, the Varsity Reds have once again returned to the CIS Top Ten. UNB found themselves in the 10th spot after this week’s votes were tallied, most likely due to the strong showing they had against the #3 ranked Trinity Western Spartans when they were in town for their East Coast exhibition. UNB lost a tough 3-2 decision to TWU last Tuesday, but battled again the next night to win 3-1. Trinity Western recorded some impressive victories in their exhibition prior to playing the Varsity Reds, most notably a 3-0 win over the #1 ranked Alberta Golden Bears, and wins against Western, Queen’s, and Thompson Rivers.
“The guys were pleased that we are ranked among the country’s best this week, but understand that we’ve got a long way to go. They are working very hard and have definitely taken a good step forward with the way they’ve battled”, commented head coach Dan McMorran.
The team will get another good test this weekend, as they head to Quebec City for the first of three interlock tournaments against the Quebec conference. The Varsity Reds will face the #2 ranked Laval Rouge et Or, Friday night at 8:00pm, followed by Saturday matches against the Montreal Carabins (2:00pm) and Sherbrooke Vert et Or (8:00pm).