Rouge et Or beat Tigers in straight sets

Dalhousie fell to Laval in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-20, on Friday at Sexton Gym.

In the first set, the Laval team took an early lead with a series of points, including a kill by Terell Tchouassi at 0-1 and a kill by Max Losier at 0-2. Dalhousie responded with points from Lucas Condon-Oldreiv and Jacob Oyler, but service errors from Michael Donovan and Josh DeYoung contributed to the Rouge et Or maintaining their lead. Laval's consistent offensive pressure, highlighted by multiple kills from Losier and Tchouassi, helped them extend the score to 12-7 by the time Dalhousie called a timeout. Despite efforts from Dalhousie, including a late kill by Lucas Condon-Oldreiv, the Rouge et Or closed the set at 25-18, capitalizing on Dalhousie's errors and strong setups by Charles St-Aubin.

The second set began with a series of service errors from both teams, including errors by Charles St-Aubin and Jacob Oyler, which set the tone for a closely contested match. Dalhousie pulled ahead to a 6-3 lead following a kill by Josh DeYoung and an attack error by Jonathan Addy, prompting a timeout from Laval. The teams continued to exchange points, with notable performances from Michael Donovan, who scored multiple kills, and Patrick Minville, who secured two service aces for the Rouge et Or, helping them edge ahead 21-18. Despite a late push from Dalhousie, including a kill by Bannon Rourke, the Rouge et Or closed out the set with a 25-22 victory, solidified by a block from Jonathan Addy on Matthew McCarvell's attack.

The third set began with a service error from Charles St-Aubin, giving Dalhousie their first point. Dalhousie quickly gained momentum with a series of successful plays, including kills from Michael Donovan and Jacob Oyler, leading to a 6-2 advantage. Laval responded with a strong comeback, capitalizing on attack errors and service aces, particularly from Miguel Dumetz, to tie the score at 13-13. Despite Dalhousie's efforts, including a late kill by Dillan Morphet, the Rouge et Or pushed ahead and secured the set 25-20, with Max Losier delivering the final point.

Michael Donovan led the Dalhousie team with a total of 16 points, making significant contributions with 13 kills and a .176 hitting percentage over three games. Thomas Watchman stood out as the primary setter, delivering 27 assists without an error, showcasing his reliability in playmaking. Lucas Condon-Oldreiv held an impressive .750 hitting percentage with six kills, indicating effective offensive efficiency. Jacob Oyler also contributed with seven kills and five digs, accumulating eight points, while maintaining a .176 hitting percentage.

Donovan was named player of the game for the Tigers. 

The team return to the court on Saturday at 1pm.