(QUEBEC CITY, QC) The UNB Reds dropped a pair of weekend matches to the U SPORTS No. 3 ranked Laval Rouge et Or.
UNB lost a hard-fought, five-set match on Friday by scores of 25-22, 25-27, 17-25, 25-22, and 10-15.
Laval took Saturday's match in straight sets, with scores of 25-22, 25-18, and 25-17.
"We started strong Friday and even had an opportunity to be up 2-0 in the match," said Reds head coach Dan McMorran. "We battled well in this match, but made too many offensive errors down the stretch to pull out the win against a tough Laval squad on their home court."
Friday's match saw three Reds record double-digit kills, with Connor McConnell (Hanwell, NB) leading the way with 18.
Eduardo Luchese (Rio Grande do Sol, Brazil) added 13 and Tynan Murphy (Montague, PE) had 10.
Drew Duncan (Winnipeg, MB) recorded 11 digs, while Brad Merryweather (New Maryland, NB) put up 26 assists.
Coach McMorran says offensive efficiency was the difference again in Saturday's match.
McConnell led the Reds with a match-high 16 kills, while Nick Glynn (Fredericton, NB) and Thomas Vickers (Bible Hill, NS) each had six digs. Glynn also recorded 22 assists.
Disappointed with the outcome, Coach McMorran sees progress.
"I'm pleased that we were able to play at a level that continues to afford us opportunities to win matches against top competitors," he said. "We're aware that we now need to be better at finishing. Over the break we will continue to work hard in all areas, in preparation for a tough second semester and difficult playoff run."
The Reds resume their RSEQ regular season schedule on January 10th, when they host Laval in the first match of a weekend series. First serve is scheduled for 7:30.