Tigers open season with loss to Vert et Or

[Halifax, NS] – The Sherbrooke Vert et Or defeated the Dalhousie Tigers by 3 sets to 1 (25-22, 25-18, 23-25, 28-26) on Friday night at the Sexton Gym in Halifax.

This match kicked off conference play for the RSEQ. Sherbrooke's roster looked a little different from when we saw them last, but still boasted two-time national all-star and 2023-2024 conference player of the year Jonathan Portelance (Sherbrooke, QC). Back on the court for the first time in a few months, Dal returned with fourth-year star Michael Donovan (London, ON) for the new season.

The first set of this game showed why the Vert et Or were just so dominant last season. They grabbed the lead from the Tigers early on and built it steadily over time, finding their way to a six-point lead on set point. However, the Tigers would fight back, claiming each of the next four points before Sherbrooke eventually converted at the fifth time of asking.

Despite building some momentum at the close of the first set, the second set was yet another disappointment for Dalhousie. This time, the Tigers kept themselves within striking distance until two-thirds of the way through the period but faded badly down the stretch to go down by two to zero.

Dal began to show more life in the third set, taking the lead at 4-3 and keeping it the rest of the way. Sherbrooke fought valiantly to close a six-point gap the Tigers opened early, but the Vert et Or were simply outplayed on the biggest points in this third stanza. Dalhousie had great composure down the stretch and cut the lead in half after they capitalized on their second set point.

Quality of play reached its high-water mark in the fourth set of this match. Both sides had their chances, but Dalhousie held the upper hand as we entered the set's endgame. It looked as if we were heading to a fifth set, but Sherbrooke had other plans as they fought off set points before finishing the match off in an overtime set jam-packed with tension and drama.

The two teams will meet again at Sexton Gym tomorrow at 1pm ADT.