The UNB Varsity Reds took game one of the 2016 Subway AUS Men's Volleyball Championship series by a score of 3-0 over the host Dalhousie Tigers. They now lead the best 2-of-3 series 1-0.
Before the start of the game the Tigers honored their graduating players with a gift to thanks them for their time as a Tiger. The players honored were fifth year players Jonathan MacDonald, Justin Lynch and Connor Maessen as well as fourth year player Logan Baillie.
The first quarter was very close and featured some great rallies. The capacity crowd in the Dalplex were treated to some great volleyball action. At the technical timeout the Varsity Reds were ahead of the Tigers 16-13. The Reds would use a block from Samuel Alves and a service rally from Matthew Losier to take the opening set 25-21.
UNB continued their strong play into the second set. After a tight contest early in the set UNB held a 10-8 lead. The Varsity Reds used their momentum to open up a 20-12 lead and easily take the second set 25-15.
The Tigers found themselves down 7-3 early in the third set. UNB opened their lead to 16-8 at the technical timeout. With their backs against the wall, the Tigers fought back to bring the score to 23-18 and then had all the momentum late in the set. Kristen O'Brien, Matthew Donovan and Connor Maessen were a strong trio for the Tigers and helped bring the UNB lead to 1 point, making the score 24-23. However a powerful kill from Tristen Burridge would end the Tigers comeback. The Varsity Reds would win the set 26-24 and take Game one of the 2016 Subway AUS Men's Volleyball Championships 3-0.
Kristen O'Brien was named player of the game for the Tigers. Elvind Anderson earned the honors for the Varsity Reds.
Game 2 will take place at UNB next Saturday February 27th at 2:00pm.