SMU blanks UdeM 3-0 in volleyball action

(FREDERICTON, NB) The Saint Mary's Huskies scored a straight-sets win over l'Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues on Saturday, day two of the Atlantic University Sport league tournament, in Fredericton.

The Huskies won 25-17, 25-15 and 25-20.

Olivia Bell (Lahave, NS) had a match-high 15 kills for the Huskies and was named the Subway Player of the Game.

"This was our goal, coming into this weekend," said Bell, of the Huskies 2-and-0 start to the weekend. "We came out strong, got an early lead. We had a little up and down there in the second set, but it's good for our mentality to get over those."

Moncton scored the opening point of the match, but the Huskies reeled off the next six, prompting les Aigles Bleues to call an early time-out.

Saint Mary's then quickly added three more points before Moncton could rally.

From down 9-1, and with Christelle Bertin (Beresford, NB) serving, les Aigles Bleues staged a 6-0 run to close the gap to 9-7.

The Huskies rallied themselves, taking a 16-12 lead to the technical time-out of the first half.

They held les Aigles Bleues to only a few chances the rest of the way, winning the set 25-17.

In the second set, the Huskies edged out to a lead, but never more by a point or two, until they pulled ahead 11-7.

Saint Mary's held a 16-11 advantage at the technical time-out.

The Huskies were able to wrestle control of the set in the latter stages, winning 25-15.

Moncton fell behind 7-3 in the third set, and trailed 16-11 at the technical time-out.

But les Aigles Bleues did rally, closing the margin to 19-15 before Saint Mary's pulled away, winning 25-20.

Renee Cleveland (Saint-Martin, NS) had 21 digs for the Huskies, while Jamie Rourke (Mission, BC) added 10.

Joanie Arsenault (Tracadie-Sheila, NB) led les Aigles Bleues with 11 kills. Bertin finished with 12 digs.

With the win, the Huskies are 6-and-2, and sit second in the AUS standings. They close the league tournament on Sunday with a match against the host UNB Reds.

Moncton, now 3-and-6, takes on the Memorial on Sunday.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics