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University of New Brunswick

REDS Upset Huskies

UNB's Talia Nixon sets a pass during Saturday's 3-2 win over Saint Mary's in the first match of their AUS semi-final series. (PHOTO: Eduardo Ibarra/for SMU Athletics)
UNB's Talia Nixon sets a pass during Saturday's 3-2 win over Saint Mary's in the first match of their AUS semi-final series. (PHOTO: Eduardo Ibarra/for SMU Athletics)
Results Box Score
February 22, 2025

(HALIFAX, NS) The UNB REDS upset the Saint Mary's Huskies in five sets, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 16-25, and 15-13, in game one of their Atlantic University Sport women's volleyball semi-final, Saturday night in Halifax.

"We came out ready to battle both physically and mentally and we did just that, " said REDS' head coach Lauren Hale-Miller. "Our resilience in the fifth set really shows what this group is capable of."

It was a back-and-forth affair, with the two teams exchanging sets and both scoring 78 points on the night. Every time one team found momentum, the opponent seemed to respond, including in the fifth set, where the REDS were trailing 13-9, before scoring six straight points off a service run from outside hitter Kiana Huggins (London, ON) to take the set 15-13 and win the match three sets to two.

The REDS were led by outside hitter Heather Benko (Sechelt, BC) who scored 19.5 points on 16 kills, one ace and three blocks, and added 13 digs. Middle Isla Olesen (Calgary, AB) chipped in seven kills, including the game-winner, three aces and four blocks, while setter Talia Nixon (Fredericton, NB) dished out a match-high 42 assists and added eight kills and two blocks.

"I thought we played with some great energy,," said Nixon. "Going into a playoff game can be intimidating, but we focused on sticking together and playing every point for each other and that allowed us to be successful. Everyone showed grit."

The Huskies were led by Emilia Mikanovich (Minsk, Belarus) who delivered a match-high 27 points on 24 kills, two aces, and a block, adding 18 digs and two assists.

Sydney Fader (Dartmouth, NS) chipped in 12 kills and setter Grace Blaskovits (Kelowna, BC) dished out 41 assists and added two aces.

With the win, the REDS take the lead in the best-of-three series. Game two will be played on Sunday, at 7:00pm, again in Halifax.

"I'm proud of our group and excited to see what we'll do  in Sunday's match," said Coach Hale-Miller.

Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Eduardo Ibarra / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics