Wesmen Top VReds Again
Winnipeg scores 3-2 exhibition win
(FREDERICTON, NB) The University of Winnipeg Wesmen scored their second win in as many nights, beating the host UNB Varsity Reds 3-2, in exhibition men's volleyball.
The Wesmen downed the Varsity Reds 25-11, 20-25, 25-17, 30-32 and 15-12.
Brendan Thielmann(Winnipeg, MB) led the visitors with 20 kills and 15 digs, while Logan Brennan(Bragg Creek, AB) registered 18 digs.
Eivind Andersen(Sandnes, NOR) led UNB with 13 kills and 13 digs.
Tristen Burridge(Fort St. John, BC) had 17 digs for the Varsity Reds, while Pascal McCarthy(Fredericton, NB) added 11 kills.
The Wesmen dominated the first set, racing out to a 6-0 lead.
Winnipeg built leads of 12-4 and 21-9 on route to the 25-11 opening set win.
UNB went on a 5-0 run late in the second set as the Varsity Reds evened the match with a 25-20 win.
The Wesmen took the third set 25-17 before both sides engaged in a marathon fourth set.
Two key blocks by Francois Pitre-Pelletier(Balmoral Sud, NB) allowed the home side to take a 32-30 win.
But the Varsity Reds couldn't hold the momentum, and Winnipeg took the deciding set 15-12.
"We obviously didn't start the way we wanted to tonight, but I thought we battled hard to give ourselves a chance," said Varsity Reds head coach Dan McMorran.
"Winning the fourth set was a huge character win for us, as winning sets in these tough situations has been difficult for us so far this season. Our passing broke down a bit in the fifth and we were unable to convert a couple of key transition plays. We're looking forward to another opportunity against this tough Winnipeg team on Friday night," said McMorran.
The Wesmen and Varsity Reds will meet one more time, Friday. First serve is scheduled for 7:00PM(Atlantic), at UNB's Richard J. Currie Center.