REDS Blank Laval

(QUEBEC CITY, QC) The UNB REDS scored a straight sets win over the Laval Rouge et Or in RSEQ men's volleyball action, Saturday afternoon in Quebec City.

The REDS won with scores of 29-27, 25-21, and 25-22.

"Getting the win over a tough Laval program is always going to feel good," said veteran RED Nick Glynn (Fredericton, NB). "Especially after such a hard-fought match last night, being able to bounce back and get the win today is a positive for our group."

After an exciting and dramatic five-set affair on Friday, won by the home team, the teams picked up where they left off.

They traded points throughout the first set, neither team able to gain a significant lead.

Tied 27-27, the REDS strung together the final two points of the set, winning 29-27 and taking a 1-0 lead.

The closely contested nature of the match, in fact the entire weekend series, carried into the second set.

The REDS and Rouge et Or traded points through the mid-way point of the set to a 9-9 tie before UNB went up 11-9.

In the end, the REDS put together three quick 2-0 scoring runs to push past the home team 25-21 and go up two sets to one.

The REDS carried their momentum into the third set, building a 14-9 lead and extending that lead to 17-10, prompting a Laval timeout.

The tactic did little to slow UNB and the REDS pushed the lead to 19-10.

Laval countered, closing the gap to 20-16.

A Laval service error gave UNB the final point and a 25-22 win for the straight sets victory.

"Our level was very good throughout most of the match, but we still struggled at times to finish when we gave ourselves big leads," said REDS' head coach Dan McMorran. "I think we gained significant experience this road trip, however, and I'm pleased with the direction we're going."

Glynn led the REDS, striking nine kills and adding eight digs. Lucas Maffia (Victoria, BC) registered 27 assists.

Nicolas Fortin (Clermont, QC) led Laval with a match-high 16 kills while Patrick Minville has 10 digs.

The win, UNB's first over Laval since October of 2013, improves UNB's record to 3-and-7 while the Rouge et Or are now 7-and-3.

 "We're excited to get back to work and prepare for our upcoming matches next weekend, at home, against Montreal," said Glynn.

The REDS welcome the Montreal Carabins to the Currie Center for a weekend series which opens Friday. First serve is schedule for 8:00pm.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

FILE PHOTO BY: James West/for UNB Athletics