(FREDERICTON, NB) The U SPORTS No. 3 Dalhousie Tigers scored a straight sets victory over l'Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues on Friday afternoon, in the opening match of the 2019 Atlantic University Sport league tournament, in Fredericton. 

Sarah Dawe (Mount Pearl, NL) recorded 15 kills and 11 digs to lead the Tigers. She was named the Subway Player of the Game. 

"It feels great, the win feels great," said Dawe. "We've had quite a long day today, with travel, but we're happy to get the win." 

In the early going, les Aigles Bleues were able to stay in step with the Tigers, tying the first set score 4-4 and 5-5 before Dal was able to flex its muscle. 

The Tigers then went on a 4-0 run to build a 12-7 lead, forcing an early Moncton time-out. 

That did little to slow Dal down, and the Tigers led 16-9 at the technical time-out of the opening set. 

While les Aigles Bleues would continue to score, they couldn't hold the Tigers, and Dal took the set 25-16. 

In the second set… les Aigles Bleues took an early 4-3 lead, but the Tigers rallied. 

Dal led 16-10 at the technical time-out, and limited Moncton's opportunities the rest of the way, on route to a 25-18 win. 

In the third set, les Aigles Bleues attempted to push back, coming to within a point at 10-9. 

Dalhousie ran away with the final set, winning 25-13. 

"I think we have a really deep bench," said Dawe. "I think anybody on this team can go in at any time and play the roles we needed played today." 

Julie Moore (Halifax, NS) had 10 kills and 16 digs for the Tigers, while Courtney Baker (Bridgewater, NS) recorded 30 assists. 

Cassidy Martin (Dieppe, NB) led les Aigles Bleues with 22 assists, while Christelle Bertin (Beresford, NB) added eight kills and eight digs. 

The Tigers are now 6-and-0, and will face the tournament hosts, the UNB Reds, on Saturday. That match is scheduled for 7:00pm 

Moncton, now 3-and-5, takes on Saint Mary's on Saturday, at 3:00pm.