(HALIFAX, NS) The Dalhousie Tigers defeated the UNB REDS 3-2 in a closely contested RSEQ match, in Halifax, on Friday.
The Tigers won with scores of 25-20, 22-25, 25-16, 22-25 and 15-12.
It was the first match of a weekend double-header for the teams.
The first set got off to a fairly even to start with the teams trading points until it was 3-3.
From there it was all Tigers with Quinton Dowling (Waterloo, ON) capping a four-point run, making it 7-3.
Dal continued to roll as Michael Donovan (London, ON) capped off another run with a solid kill to make it 14-5.
A big block from Rafael Hilario (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) saw the REDS cut the lead down to 15-10 as UNB tried to fight back. Getting it as close as four points, the REDS fought, but the Tigers closed out the first set 25-20 for a 1-0 set lead.
The Tigers got off to a quick start in the second, going up 6-2 before the REDS battled back and cut the lead to two points at 9-7.
The two-point gap would remain pretty well through the whole set, as the teams went point for point until the REDS got the set within one at 21-20.
UNB continued to roll to a 23-21 lead.
Hilario had big kill for a 25-22 set win, tying the match 1-1
The third set saw Dal start quickly, taking an 11-6 and then building to 19-11.
Not ready to go away, the REDS fought back to 19-15.
A nice hit from Lucas Condon-Oldreive (Halifax, NS) would win the second set for the Tigers, to take a 2-1 lead headed to the fourth.
It was back and forth once again to start the fourth, as the teams kept alternating points until it was 5-4 Dal.
Moments later, a few unforced errors by the Tigers would see the REDS regain the lead at 7-6. Midway through the set, it was still close.
The teams were tied 13-13 with the Tigers looking to close it out and REDS looking to extend the comeback effort.
The Tigers started to gain some distance, going up 17-14, but the tide turned quickly, and it was all REDS.
UNB went on a big run to take the fourth set and force a deciding fifth.
After winning the fourth, the REDS didn't start well, as Dalhousie got up 8-5.
From there the REDS battled to bring the set within one, where like much of the match, the teams battled back and forth. Finally, Donovan put it away with a massive kill to give the Tigers a 3-2 victory.
The REDS fall to 0-13 on the season and will look to rebound Saturday, in a rematch with the Tigers.
Dal improves to 3-10 and now look for back-to-back wins against the REDS.
RECAP BY: Ryan Hyndman/for Dal Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Terrel Beals/for Dal Athletics