Tigers sweep weekend series with Moncton

The Dalhousie Tigers defeated the Université de Moncton 3-0 n Saturday at Sexton Gym, with set scores of 25-21, 25-12, and 25-16.

The first set saw several shifts in momentum. The Aigles Bleues initially took a 4-1 lead, capitalizing on a sequence of kills assisted by Cassidy Martin. Dalhousie responded with a four-point run, aided by attack errors from the Aigles Bleues' players, to take a 5-4 lead. The teams traded points, with notable performances from Annik Boldon and Grace Calnan of Dalhousie, before Dalhousie pulled ahead with a 19-17 score following a crucial kill by Annik Boldon. Despite the Aigles Bleues' efforts, Dalhousie secured the set 25-21, with the final two points coming from kills by Melissa Hatfield and Ella Hornby.

In the second set, Dalhousie and the Aigles Bleues exchanged points early on, with the Aigles Bleues briefly leading 3-2 following a kill by Sierra Sarty at play 57. Dalhousie then gained momentum, highlighted by a series of kills from Annik Boldon, assisted by Quinn McAleer, leading to a 13-6 advantage by play 72. This run included a service ace by Ella Hornby at play 64 and several attack errors by the Aigles Bleues' players. The Aigles Bleues called two timeouts, but Dalhousie maintained control, finishing the set with a score of 25-12, capped by Charlotte Arsenault's kill from Kirsty Longino at play 98.

In the third set, Dalhousie secured a 25-16 victory over the Aigles Bleues, marked by several key plays. Early in the set, the Aigles Bleues took a brief lead with Kyana Sivret contributing multiple kills. Dalhousie responded with a series of successful plays, including kills by Ella Hornby and Quinn McAleer, tying the score at various points. The set was highlighted by a strong finish from Dalhousie, with Kasandra Trenke delivering consecutive service aces and a block leading to the final point. The Aigles Bleues called two timeouts during this set but could not halt Dalhousie's momentum.

Annik Boldon was a key player for Dalhousie, recording 13 kills without an error on 24 attempts, resulting in a .542 hitting percentage, and contributing 14 points. Melissa Hatfield led with 15 digs and added four kills, achieving a hitting percentage of .231. Kasandra Trenke was also effective with a .500 hitting percentage, delivering four kills and three service aces, accumulating 7.5 points. Grace Calnan stood out with a .714 hitting percentage, registering five kills on seven attempts. Ella Hornby contributed significantly with 10 kills, a .350 hitting percentage, and a team-high total of three blocks, earning 13.5 points.

The Tigers return to action on Friday when they travel to their cross-town rivals, the SMU Huskies.