Balanced attack helps Dal defeat Sherbrooke 3-0

(Halifax, N.S.) – A well-rounded attack helped the Dalhousie Tigers (7-3) top the Sherbrooke Vert & Or (2-8) 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-16) on Saturday night at the Dalplex, in the second AUS-RSEQ Interlock event of the season.  

Dalhousie finished the contest with a 0.444 hitting percentage and committed just five errors compared to Sherbrooke's 18.

The hosts recorded 13 kills and a .500 hitting percentage in what was a fast-paced first set with very few rallies. Outside hitters Matthew Donovan (London, ON) and Jeffrey Walton (Sudbury, ON) recorded a combined nine kills for the Tigers, while middle blocker Isaac Longard (Mahone Bay, NS) added three assisted blocks.

Sherbrooke came out inspired in the second set and led by as much as four, thanks to the blocking abilities of Mathieu Quirion (Amqui, QC), Francis Castro (Montreal, QC) and Samuel Gagnon (Chambly, QC). Dalhousie was able to fight back and win the set however, with balanced offensive and defensive play. Donovan led the attack with five kills, while five players had at least one assisted block for the Tigers.

The hosts kept their even pace going in the third set, with outside hitter Kobe Shannon coming off the bench to record two kills, including the game-winner.

Donovan finished the matchup with a game-high 14 overall kills for the Tigers, while Longard tallied seven assisted blocks. Outside hitters Raphael Bernier (Montmagny, QC) and Hugo Rosso-Bonneau (Richelieu, QC) led the way for Sherbrooke, with six kills and 6.5 points each.

Both teams have a bye this coming week and will be back in action on Friday, Jan.27. Dalhousie will take on UNB at home while Sherbrooke will face Laval on the road.