Oyler records 14 kills in loss

FREDERICTON, N.B. — UNB REDS edged out Dalhousie in a five-set thriller at the Richard J Currie Center, winning 25-20, 23-25, 19-25, 25-13, 15-13. Dalhousie's attack was led by a standout performance in the second set with a hitting percentage of .348.

The first set commenced with Dalhousie and the REDS exchanging early service errors, reflecting initial jitters. Dalhousie capitalized on blocking opportunities, with Samuel Gallagher contributing to multiple blocks that helped them edge ahead to an 8-4 lead. However, the REDS responded with a strong offensive effort, led by Finn McMorran, who facilitated a series of plays to tie the score at 16-16. Following a tense back-and-forth, the REDS pulled away with a 5-0 run, capped by a Nicolas Losier kill, to close the set 25-20 in favor of the home team.

The second set saw Dalhousie secure a narrow 25-23 victory against the REDS. Dalhousie began with an early 2-0 lead, capitalizing on a block by Jacob Oyler and Lucas Condon-Oldreive. Gallagher's consistent performance added crucial points, highlighted by a kill to establish a 6-3 advantage. The REDS managed to draw even at 8-8 following a series of errors by Dalhousie, including service errors and a bad set. However, Dalhousie regained momentum with a 4-0 run, spurred by kills from Dillan Morphet and Oyler, to lead 17-14. Despite the REDS' efforts to close the gap with key plays from Benjamin Sullivan and Lucas Maffia, Dalhousie maintained their edge, with the set ending on an attack error by McMorran, sealing the set for the visiting team.

In the third set, Dalhousie capitalized on a series of errors by the REDS to secure a 25-19 victory. After an initial attack error by Morphet, Dalhousie quickly responded with a kill from Dallas Tufts, assisted by Gallagher, leveling the score at 1-1. Gallagher's consistent setup play was pivotal, contributing to multiple kills by Oyler and Morphet, as Dalhousie extended their lead to 13-11 before a REDS timeout. Despite the REDS' attempts to rally, including a service ace by Travis Pruim and a couple of kills from Losier, Dalhousie maintained their lead. Luke Enstrom's service ace and a final kill from Morphet, again assisted by Gallagher, closed out the set for Dalhousie.

The REDS opened the fourth set with a strong performance, pulling ahead 5-1, fueled by Kieran Brost's consecutive kills from McMorran. Dalhousie called a timeout at 5-1, but the REDS extended their lead to 7-1 with two more kills by Brost. Despite Dalhousie's efforts, including a kill by Tufts at 13-5, the REDS maintained their momentum. The home team capitalized on errors and effective blocking, with Pruim contributing to two blocks, pushing the score to 15-6. The set concluded with Brost securing the final point with a kill from Jayden Chiasson, leading the REDS to a 25-13 victory in the set.

The final set between Dalhousie and the REDS was a tightly contested affair, with neither team able to secure a substantial lead. Losier started the set with a kill for the REDS, but Oyler quickly responded for Dalhousie. Despite a couple of attack errors from Morphet, which contributed to the REDS' early 6-3 advantage, Dalhousie battled back through multiple kills by Morphet assisted by Gallagher. A service ace by John Pook brought Dalhousie within two points at 10-8. However, a series of errors from both teams kept the set close, with the REDS maintaining a slight edge. Ultimately, service errors on both sides culminated in the REDS capturing the set 15-13, concluding with a Dalhousie service error.

Gallagher recorded 36 assists and contributed five total blocks in the recent matches. Oyler added 14 kills and seven block assists, tallying a team-high 19.5 points. Condon-Oldreive registered nine total blocks and four kills, accumulating nine points. Gabriel Moshett led the defensive effort with 20 digs over five games.