REDS Salvage Weekend Split In Dramatic Fashion
(HALIFAX, NS) The UNB REDS salvaged a weekend split of their two-game Atlantic University Sport women's volleyball series at Saint Mary's with a dramatic five-set victory on Saturday afternoon.
After falling behind two-sets-to-none, the REDS battle back to win the match 3-2 with scores of 22-25, 10-25, 25-16, 25-21, and 15-10.
"We battled in set one and came up just short," said REDS' head coach Lauren Hale-Miller. "We lost momentum in the second set, but were able to re-group quickly and reverse sweep and win the match."
"We stayed disciplined in our defence and took big swings at the net," added Hale-Miller. "It was a complete team effort, and it was amazing to see the team handle their emotions during the match."
Heather Benko (Sechelt, BC) led the REDS with 16 kills and 16 digs while Lydia Green (Bedford, NS) registered nine kills, a dozen digs, and four blocks.
Jenna Adams (Truro, NS) had 25 digs and Kiana Huggins (London, ON) added 13.
Danielle Krzywonos (Valley, NS) contributed seven blocks and Talia Nixon (Fredericton, NB) had 31 assists and four blocks.
Saturday's big come-from-behind victory followed a 3-0 loss to the Huskies on Friday.
The home team won 25-21, 25-19, and 25-22.
"Not much to say about it, other than we were not able to find a way to control our side of the court early enough in the sets," said Coach Hale-Miller.
Benko struck 11 kills on Friday, while Adams had 13 digs and Nixon registered 20 assists and nine digs.
With the split, the REDS are in 4th place in the AUS standings with a 7-10 record.
"We'd hoped to get both wins this weekend, but a split good for us," said Hale-Miller. "The win puts us one game ahead of Acadia and means we're still in the running for the fourth playoff spot."
The REDS return to home court this weekend (Feb. 7 and 8) hosting the Memorial Sea-Hawks.
Friday's match is scheduled for an 8:00pm start. First serve Saturday is scheduled for 3:00pm.
"As we head into this week, our team is ready to put in the work to secure our spot," said Hale-Miller.
WEEKEND RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
SATURDAY PHOTOS BY: Eduardo Ibarra/for SMU Athletics
FRIDAY PHOTOS BY: Mona Ghiz/for SMU Athletics