REDS Drop Series Opener

(MONTREAL, QC) The UNB REDS fell 3-1 to l'Universite de Montreal Carabins in the opening match of their RSEQ men's volleyball semi-final series, Friday night in Montreal.

The conference's No. 4 seeded REDS challenged the No. 1 Carabins from the first serve, pushing the hosts in an extended first set before falling 27-25.

Montreal won the second 25-19, but the REDS fought back to win the third set by the same 25-19 score.

The home team took the fourth set 25-20 to win the match.

"I thought we came out strong tonight and battled hard," said REDS' head coach Dan McMorran. "A bit unfortunate that we let that first set slip away, but our guys know what it's going to take this weekend and are looking forward to another opportunity tomorrow."

Benjamin Sullivan led the REDS with 13 kills, half a dozen digs, and four blocks.

Finn McMorran put up 46 assists and recorded eight digs.

"Overall, it was a decent performance, with a couple of stretches where we could've been better," said Finn. "We're excited to go back to battle in match two."

Nicolas Losier struck 10 kills on an impressive .474 hitting percentage.

Lex Guimond had nine kills and two blocks, and Alex Bourque registered a dozen digs.

Hugo Considere led Montreal with 19 kills and 10 digs while Simon Coulet had 17 kills and 11 digs.

Maxime Ste-Denis put up 51 assists and added four blocks.

Montreal leads the best of three series one game to none.

The REDS will look to extend the series and their season in game two, on Saturday. First serve is scheduled for 5:00pm Atlantic.

If necessary, a deciding match will be played Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm Atlantic.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO BY: Ashley Gervais/for Univ. de Montreal Athletics