Reds Blank Huskies

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Reds took advantage of a disorganized Saint Mary's Huskies side, scoring a 3-0 win on Friday night.

The Reds won with scores of 25-20, 25-18 and 25-19.

"We knew this was a tough team and they pushed hard," said Reds veteran hitter Victoria Eadle (Gallagher Ridge, NB). "We pushed back, and played our game. It was a good win."

Eadle had 11 kills and 10 digs to lead the Reds. She was named the Subway Player of the Game.

The Reds raced out of the gate, going on a 5-0 run to start the first set, prompting an early Huskies time-out, but the break did little to cool the hosts. They added three more points, going up 8-0 before Saint Mary's got on the board.

"It helps, but we couldn't focus on that," said Eadle, of the early edge. "We just had to keep pushing, keep our foot on the pedal."

The Huskies were able to rally, pulling to within two, at 11-9, prompting a Reds time-out.

UNB led 16-10 at the technical time-out of the first set, and the Reds then fought off the Huskies, taking the first set 25-20.

The second set saw swings of momentum for both sides, with UNB going up 9-5 early.

The Reds extended their lead to 12-7, and were up 16-11 at the official's time-out.

The Huskies would continue to score, but not consistently.

Kelsey Bond (Bridgewater, NS) served an ace to score the final point of the set and give the Reds a 25-18 win, and a two-sets-to-none lead.

Inconsistency and confusion continued to hamper the Saint Mary's effort in the third set.

UNB built a 13-9 lead and was up 16-13 at the technical time-out.

The Reds limited the Huskies opportunities during the latter stages of the set, winning 25-19 for the 3-0 victory.

"I think we were battling a little fatigue from the bus ride, but I also think there was a bit of a lack of confidence on the court," said Huskies' middle Olivia Bell (Lahave, NS). "Some players were looking at each other to do their jobs and there was a little bit of confusion."

Bell led the Huskies with 13 digs and eight kills, while Anna Watt (Calgary, AB) added 16 digs.

The Huskies, now 6-and-4, head to Moncton for a Saturday match. Game time is 4:00pm.

"I don't think anyone expected this to happen, but loses happen," said Bell. "We're going to need a bit more resilience for our match tomorrow."

In addition to Eadle's big night, Kelsie Dukart (Parkland County, AB) had 17 digs for UNB, while Paige Lehto (North Vancouver, BC) recorded a match-high 30 assists.

With the win, the Reds even their record at 5-and-5.

UNB's next action comes a week from Saturday, when they travel to Moncton to face les Aigles Bleues. 

"Starting strong like this is great momentum for us and we just have to look towards the next game now," said Eadle.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics