REDS Down Carabins

(MONTREAL, QC) The UNB REDS opened their 2023-24 RSEQ men's volleyball season with a 3-2 win over the Université de Montreal Carabin on Friday night.

The REDS won with scores of 27-25, 18-25, 25-22, 16-25 and 15-11.

"The guys are certainly happy about the result," said REDS' head coach Dan McMorran. "They realize that there were areas of our game that were lacking tonight, most notably our attack efficiency in three of the sets."

Jacob Harris led the REDS attack with 14 kills while Rafael Hilario added 13.

First-year REDS setter Lucas Maffia recorded nine digs.

"Montreal is an extremely tough serving team," said Coach McMorran of the Carabins, who served 15 aces on Friday. "I thought our reception allowed us opportunities to stay in the match and played a huge role in the win."

The REDS and Carabin meet again Saturday in the second of their two-game weekend series.

First serve is scheduled for 2:00pm Atlantic.

"It was a great match to be in, with a lot of back and forth in three of the sets," said McMorran. "Montreal are a very physical team and we didn't respond well in the second and third sets, so we feel fortunate to get the result we did tonight."

"It's a good step for us, but lots of work to do on Saturday," he added.

After Saturday's contest, the REDS return home and will host the Laval Rouge et Or in a two-game series, Friday and Saturday, next weekend.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

FILE PHOTO: UNB Media Services