REDS On The Brink

(QUEBEC CITY, QC) The UNB REDS came from two sets down to force a deciding set in the opening match of their RSEQ men's volleyball playoff series at Laval, but couldn't maintain their momentum in the fifth set, dropping a 3-2 decision.

The REDS fell 15-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, and 11-15.

"Laval started strong, which we knew they would, and I thought we weathered that storm and regrouped to start the second," said REDS' head coach Dan McMorran. "Up 18-14 in the second set is where we must be better, as we had an opportunity to even the match and we let that get away."

Statistically, four REDS recorded double-doubles.

Eduardo Luchese had a team-high 17 kills and 11 digs. Jacob Harris registered 13 kills, 10 digs and five blocks. Finn McMorran contributed 11 digs, 25 assists, and seven blocks, and Lucas Maffia had 21 assists and 11 digs.

Travis Pruim recorded a game-high nine blocks and Shamus Cormier added five.

"We, unfortunately, didn't show up the way we wanted to tonight," said Maffia. "However, we had some positives, like our block-defence. We're more than ready to compete and perform better on Saturday and extend the series."

Laval leads the best of three conference semi-final 1-0.

The REDS will have to win Saturday's second match to extend the series to a deciding match on Sunday. First serve on Saturday is scheduled for 8:30pm AST.

"I'm encouraged by the battle to take it (Friday's match) to a fifth set," said Coach McMorran. "We know the windows of opportunity are small and we need to capitalize when they present themselves. We will be ready to battle on Saturday."

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Hugo Goubel/for UNB Athletics