(Halifax, N.S.) – The Dalhousie Tigers (12-0) overcame an early 1-0 deficit and held on late to defeat the Moncton Aigles Bleues (6-6) 3-2 (17-25, 25-18, 25-11, 22-25, 15-11) on Sunday afternoon at the Dalplex.
Multiple players shone on both sides in what was an exciting battle from start to finish, with seven combined players registering at least 10 kills and 12 tallying a minimum of one block.
The visitors were strong on the attack in the first set, recording 14 total kills compared to just seven for Dalhousie. Middle blocker Rachelle Lemoine (St-Boniface, MB) stood out for Moncton, providing five of her teams kills in the set win.
The Aigles Bleues would continue their momentum early in the second set, jumping out to a 5-0 lead. Dalhousie would fight back however, taking their first lead of the game at the midway point of the set. Moncton would respond, grabbing a 14-13 lead, before the Tigers were able to rattle off six straight points en route to the eventual set win.
Outside hitters Anna Dunn-Suen (Halifax, NS) and Mieke DuMont (Kamloops, BC) were key in the second set win, with four and three kills, respectively.
Dalhousie would keep their momentum rolling, winning the third set in convincing fashion. Multiple players contributed on the attack, while middle blocker Victoria Haworth (Waverly, NS) led the charge on the block – stymying Lemoine and her teammates.
Dalhousie looked the put the game away in the fourth set – and led 17-15 at one point – but were unable to hold off Moncton's attack in the later stages. Outsider hitters Pascale Doiron (Caraquet, NS) and Christelle Bertin (Beresford, NB) were instrumental in the set, with five and four kills, respectively. Doiron was particularly effective, contributing the final three kills for her team.
The Tigers led by as much as seven in the final set, before Moncton clawed their way back to trail by just two, at 12-10. Dalhousie would ultimately put the game away though, outscoring the visitors 3-1 down the stretch. It was a team effort in the deciding set, with six different Tigers players recording at least one kill.
The Tigers next action goes on Saturday as they take on Acadia on the road, while Moncton's next contest is Sunday, where they will also be on the road, battling Saint Mary's.