REDS Upset Carabins

(MONTREAL, QC) The UNB REDS upset the U SPORTS No. 6 ranked Universite de Montreal Carabins 3-2 in RSEQ men's volleyball play, Saturday afternoon in Montreal.

The REDS won 25-22, 24-26, 14-25, 26-24, and 15-13.

"That was a massive win for us," said REDS' head coach Dan McMorran. "It took twelve guys to get it done."

Second-year REDS hitter Benjamin Sullivan led UNB with 15 kills, eight digs and five blocks.

Lucas Maffia and Travis Pruim struck 13 and 10 kills respectively.

Finn McMorran had 43 assists and 13 digs while Alex Bourque contributed 13 digs as well.

Lex Guimond put up an impressive nine blocks for the REDS.

Etienne Charbonneau led Montreal with a match-high 31 kills while Guillaume Samson registered 14 kills and 10 digs.

Alexandre St-Denis had a dozen digs and Ghassen Zgarni put up seven blocks.

"Today was a good team win against strong competition," said Pruim. "Everyone contributed, from guys who saw the floor to guys bringing the energy we needed from the bench. To be able to get a win in their gym before going into playoffs next weekend is big."

With the win, the REDS record improves to 7-9, good for fourth place in the RSEQ.

The loss, just the second of the season for first place Montreal, leaves them at 14-2.

Up next for both sides, the RSEQ semi-finals where the REDS and Carabins will meet again.

That best-of-three series begins Friday night, in Montreal. Game time is set for 7:00pm Atlantic.

"This weekend wasn't about sending a message to Montreal, it was about continuing to build belief within our own group," said Coach McMorran. "Our guys are well aware of the task at hand, but are excited for the opportunity."

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO BY: Ashley Gervais/for U de Montreal Athletics