REDS Split Weekend At Laval
(QUEBEC CITY, QC) The UNB REDS split their weekend RSEQ men’s volleyball series against the Laval Rouge et Or, in Quebec City.
The REDS opened the weekend with a 3-2 win on Friday, before falling 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.
In Friday’s victory (25-22/24-26/22-25/25-17/15-9) Jacob Harris (Clarenville, NL) led the way for UNB with 14 kills and seven blocks.
Eduardo Luchese (Rio Grande du Sol, Brazil) had 16 kills, while Scott Mann (Winnipeg, MB) contributed 13 digs.
“I was pleased with our level of compete this weekend,” said REDS head coach Dan McMorran. “We tried a new lineup which placed a couple of players in unfamiliar roles, and although there would naturally be some adjustments, I thought we responded well. We fought hard on Friday, forced a fifth set, then down 2-5, made a run to take an 8-7 lead on the change and dominated from there with key blocks down the stretch.”
Finn McMorran (New Maryland, NB) had half a dozen blocks in Friday’s match and 25 assists.
Lucas Maffia (Victoria, BC) added 26 assists and Lex Guimond (Baie-Sainte Anne, NB) registered five blocks.
In Saturday’s 3-1 loss (25-23/24-26/20-25/24-26) Harris and Luchese led the way offensively again with 16 and 14 kills respectively.
Maffia had 29 assists, while Mann added a dozen digs. McMorran had a 10 dig, 18 assist outing, and Guimond made four blocks.
“Saturday was similar to Friday with our level of fight,” said Coach McMorran. “We had a slight lead statistically in every category with the exception of attack efficiency, which ultimately was the difference.”
With the split, the REDS are now 5-7 and are tied for third, with Montreal, in the RSEQ standings.
The REDS return to home court Friday night when they host the Dalhousie Tigers in the first match of a two-match weekend series. First serve is scheduled for 8:00pm.
The matches are among the first on the schedule for the REDS’ annual Stewart-McKelvey Think Pink Week, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
“After two tough back-to-back weekends on the road, we are looking forward to playing at home this coming weekend, as we battle for a playoff spot,” said Coach McMorran.
WEEKEND RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTO: File