Tigers defend their AUS title, defeat Huskies 3-0
February 16, 2014 (HALIFAX, N.S.) – The Dalhousie Tigers defeated the Saint Mary's Huskies Sunday afternoon by a score of 3-0 in the championship match of the 2014 Subway AUS women's volleyball championship at the Dalplex. Set scores were (25-10, 25-17, 25-20).
The Tigers become the first team to win back-to-back AUS women's volleyball titles since Saint Mary's in 2006-2007. They entered the tournament as the first seed after posting a 12-4 record in the season, and came into the tournament on an eight game winning streak.
The Tigers jumped out to an early 10-1 lead in the first set, powered by strong serves from second-year setter Abby Czenze. The Huskies battled back but couldn't contain the Tigers high-octane offense as they went on to take the first set 25-10. Tara Gowan had four of her eight kills in the first set to lead the Tigers.
The Huskies got up early in the second set, but the Tigers started to put on a clinic with their pinpoint passing, setting up their attack with precision. They never let up all set long, and Marisa Mota watched as Briana Donnelly's serve went long as the Tigers finished the set 25-17.
Not wanting to go away without a fight, the Huskies turned the tables in the third set, as they jumped out to a 6-2 lead, forcing Tigers coach Rick Scott to call his first timeout of the game. The Huskies continued to pound the ball, but the Tigers defense responded with several key digs. With the game tied at 11, the Tigers rattled off three straight points to gain the 14-11 edge.
With the score at 22-20 in favour of the Tigers, the Tigers went on a 3-0 run, capped off by a thundering block by AUS first team all-star Desiree Nouwen and the Tigers won their second consecutive AUS Championship.
"It was a great win. I'm very proud of the girls, and they've worked so hard all season and got better every week. They really put the time and work in and today they were rewarded with a big win," says Tigers head coach Rick Scott.
Nouwen was named the 2014 Subway Women's Volleyball Championship MVP after posting a monster game with 17 kills, 11 digs and 19.5 points to lead all scorers. Tigers libero Marisa Mota earned Subway Player of the Game honors after anchoring the Tigers defense and adding 11 digs.
Jane Pegg was named the Subway Player of the Game for the Huskies as she set up the Huskies offense all game long with stellar passing. Shelby Michaels had eight kills to lead the Huskies.
Sigourney Stotts, University of Moncton Aigles Bleues
Rebecca Glancy, UNB Varsity Reds
Jane Pegg, Saint Mary's Huskies
Anastasia Callaghan, Saint Mary's Huskies
Desiree Nouwen, Dalhousie Tigers
Tara Gowan, Dalhousie Tigers
The Tigers head to the CIS Championship February 28 to March 2, 2014 at the University of Regina.
The match can be seen live via webcast at www.AUStv.ca.
Source: Dalhousie Sports Information
Photo courtesy of Nick Pearce