Source: Memorial Athletics
The Memorial Sea-Hawks took on the Dalhousie Tigers in the second semifinal of the AUS Tournament. The Tigers had only dropped one game during regular season play, while the Sea-Hawks had clinched the last spot in the playoffs, and were hoping to advance with the home crowd behind them.
The start of the first set saw a very organized and conscientious Sea-Hawks team playing good offense, serving well and maintaining a strong defensive presence. The Sea-Hawks were leading very deep into the first set with a score of 22-19. The Sea-Hawks seemed poised to take the first point of the night. However, a final strong offensive stretch saw the Tigers erase the Sea-Hawks good work to take the set with a score of 25-23.
The Sea-Hawks appeared to enter the second set with a different mindset. After a great first set, the Sea-Hawks found it harder to find the offensive momentum and defensive solidity that they had displayed earlier on during the game. The Tigers capitalized on an emotionally hurt Sea-Hawks and went up early on the set with a score of 16-8. The Tigers were to maintain and work on that lead to take the second set comfortably with a score of 25-14.
During the third set the Sea-Hawks regained some of the good sensations they had showcased during the first set. The Sea-Hawks communicated with ease and were offensively stronger than in the second set. The Sea-Hawks were only trailing by two points at the midway point of the third set (13-11). However, the Tigers launched another powerful offensive effort that saw them took the set and the game (25-16).
Kier Fey had 7 kills for the Sea-Hawks while Catherine Ducey added 4. For the Tigers, Julie Moore recorded 10 kills, with Victoria Haworth and Emma Ciprick adding nine and eight kills respectively.
The Dalhousie Tigers will face the Acadia Axewomen who emerged victorious in a five set thriller against the Saint Mary's Huskies. The final will take place March 3rd at 7pm in St. John's, NL (NST). Coverage of the final will be offered through AUStv.ca.