Source: Memorial Athletics
The first match of a three-game series between Memorial and Dalhousie came down to the fifth set, where the Tigers were able to hand the Sea-Hawks their first home loss of the season. The win keeps Dalhousie undefeated; though Memorial gave them as good a contest as anyone has so far this year.
Things started off slow for the Sea-Hawks, who seemed overwhelmed at times by the formidable attack of the Tigers. After a 25-14 dusting in the first set, it looked inevitable that the Tigers were going to have their way with the Hawks, but that proved not to be the case. They rebounded in the second set, with 25-23 win and set the tone for what would be a brilliant match the rest of the way.
Memorial forced a fifth and deciding set where they ultimately couldn't pull off the upset, yet this was one of the best matches in the Field House this season. Leading up to this series, many were thinking this could be a preview of the AUS Championship match, and if it was then everyone is in for a treat. After the first set, it seemed that neither team was willing to concede an inch to the other, with the back and forth action carrying all the way into the deciding frame. Both sides were visibly selling out for everything, refusing to accept anything less than victory.
The Tiger's defence at the net was perhaps the biggest difference between the teams tonight. They out-blocked the Sea-Hawks 12 to 5, with the home side often looking demoralized after some particularly key blocks. Courtney Baker led the way for her team in that category, recording seven total blocks for the Tigers. The Sea-Hawks, who have been praised recently for their play at the net, were co-led by Kierstin Fey and Layna Levorson with three each.
The long, drawn out affair tonight could mean tomorrow's game will go to whoever is best able to recover from what had to be a physically and mentally exhausting match. Saturday's contest goes tomorrow at 6:00 PM, and you can count on these teams putting on another display. Catch the game on AUStv.ca, or come down to the Field House to support Dig For The Cure.