REDS Score Five-Set Win In Moncton

(MONCTON, NB) The UNB REDS wrapped up their Atlantic University Sport regular season schedule with a dramatic 3-2 win over l'Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues, UNB's fourth consecutive victory.

The REDS won with scores of 26-24, 23-25, 25-11, 22-25, and 15-5.

"We knew headed into the match that Moncton was going to be a battle," said REDS' head coach Lauren Hale-Miller. "They have been playing relentless volleyball this semester and we knew we had to find a way to outlast that."

"Overall, I believe our team did a good job of staying committed to our game plan and being aggressive in our play," added Hale-Miller.

Heather Benko (Sechelt, BC) had a huge night for the REDS, registering 19 kills and 29 digs.

Up 6-5 in the deciding set, Benko stepped up to the service line and served the next nine points to complete UNB's 10-0 run to finish the match.

"It was our team's game plan to serve aggressively and with the support of my teammates I was able to serve those balls at the end of the fifth set," said Benko.

Lydia Green (Bedford, NS) contributed 15 kills and 13 digs, while Kiana Huggins (London, ON) had 10 kills and 20 digs.

Jenna Adams (Truro, NS) had 18 digs while Isla Olesen (Calgary, AB) and Danielle Krzywonos (Valley, NS) each had four blocks.

Moncton's Jasmine Allain (Richibucto, NB) had 24 digs while Kyana Sivret (Rivière-à-la-Truite, NB) had 15 kills.

"I'm going to continue to stay aggressive with both my mental game and my physical game, to stay hot on the service line and find success during playoffs," said Benko.

With the win, UNB finishes the regular season with a 10-10 record, good for a share of third place in the AUS standings. Their final placing and playoff seeding won't be determined until the conference's final regular season matches, being played Saturday (Feb. 15).

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Université de Moncton Athletics