Memorial eliminates Tigers from playoffs

The Dalhousie Tigers fell to Memorial Sea-Hawks in game three of the AUS semifinal series on Sunday at Dalplex. The Sea-Hawks secured a 3-1 victory with set scores of 26-24, 20-25, 25-21, and 25-14.

In the first set of the match, Dalhousie started strong with a 2-0 lead featuring consecutive kills by Grace Calnan, assisted by Quinn McAleer. The Sea-Hawks responded with a series of successful plays, including a service ace by Courtney Hodder, leveling the score at 3-3. The Sea-Hawks gained momentum midway through the set, with a notable stretch of five unanswered points from 9-9 to 14-9, thanks in part to multiple kills by Courtney Hodder. Dalhousie rallied late, tying the score at 24-24 after a service ace by Quinn McAleer, but the Sea-Hawks ultimately secured the set 26-24 with a decisive kill by Courtney Hodder.

Dalhousie and the Sea-Hawks began the second set with both teams exchanging points early on, with the Sea-Hawks initially pulling ahead 3-2. Dalhousie responded with a series of kills, including one by Kasandra Trenke assisted by Quinn McAleer, leveling the score at 3-3. The Sea-Hawks then gained momentum, spurred by a series of service aces from Karen Greek, extending their lead to 12-7. However, Dalhousie fought back with a strong performance from Annik Boldon and Quinn McAleer, tying the score at 14-14. The set concluded with Dalhousie overtaking the Sea-Hawks, 25-20, following a service ace by Melissa Hatfield and a block by Ella Hornby on an attack error by Olivia DeDecker.

In the third set, the Sea-Hawks started strongly with a 3-0 lead, including a service ace by Lydia Grawer. Dalhousie responded but struggled with service errors, allowing the Sea-Hawks to maintain a narrow lead. Midway through the set, Dalhousie managed to tie the score at 13-13, with key plays by Annik Boldon and Grace Calnan. However, the Sea-Hawks pulled ahead again toward the end, with two service aces by Taylar Johnston contributing to their 25-21 victory.

The Sea-Hawks started strong in the fourth set with a 5-0 run, including a service ace by Lydia Grawer and a kill by Taylar Johnston, prompting a timeout from Dalhousie. Dalhousie responded with three consecutive points, highlighted by a service ace and a kill by Melissa Hatfield. However, the Sea-Hawks regained momentum with Courtney Hodder's consistent attacking, contributing to a 12-5 lead. Despite efforts from Dalhousie, with notable kills by Ella Hornby and Annik Boldon, the Sea-Hawks maintained control, concluding the set at 25-14 with a service ace by Taylar Johnston.

Quinn McAleer has been a key player for Dalhousie, leading the team with 30 assists. Grace Calnan has also made a significant impact with a hitting percentage of .533, contributing 9 kills and 4 blocks, which resulted in a total of 14 points. Annik Boldon has been effective on defense, recording 14 digs and achieving 10 kills, earning 11 points overall. Kasandra Trenke has added 7 points with 5 kills and 1 service ace, while also contributing defensively with 7 digs and 1 block. Ella Hornby has been a defensive standout, leading the team with 16 digs, and adding 9 kills and 2 blocks to her performance.

The Sea-Hawks now move on to the AUS final series versus the winner of semifinal B.