Huskies defeat #6 ranked Tigers in four sets for third straight victory

HALIFAX, NS - The Saint Mary's Huskies won their third straight game, defeating the U SPORTS #6 ranked Dalhousie Tigers in four sets (25-21, 25-18, 30-32, 25-23) at the Dalplex on Saturday afternoon.

The first set was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showing strong defensive play. Huskies were leading by 8-2 until Ella Hornby (Calgary, AB) made a stellar block. The Tigers managed to lower the gap, which made the Huskies call a timeout.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

A huge kill at the net by Alena Piatukhova gives the Huskies a 21-16 lead in the first set.

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— SMU Huskies (@SMUHuskies) January 28, 2023

On the restart, Grace Calnan (Dartmouth, NS) dropped the ball neatly onto the Huskies side of the floor. Ultimately it was not enough, and the Huskies came out on top, closing the first set 25-21.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Taylor Lougheed finishes off the first set 25-21 and the Huskies take a 1-0 lead!

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— SMU Huskies (@SMUHuskies) January 28, 2023

Tigers tried to control the game early on in the second set. A big block from Megan Bruhm (Hubley, NS) got points on the board for the Huskies. Saint Mary's soon evened out and then took control of the set. The Huskies lead would grow to six, but the Tigers persevered after a very long rally as they put a pause to the lead. But the Huskies kept it rolling as they went to game point, winning the second set by 25-18.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Huskies take the second set 25-18 and take a 2-0 set lead! Olivia Bell leading the way with eight kills, five digs and three service aces. pic.twitter.com/z8Q8AtxT5K

— SMU Huskies (@SMUHuskies) January 28, 2023

The third set was a turning point for Dal Tigers. They came out with renewed energy, and their defence was solid. The first point of the third set would drop for the Tigers as Lucy Glen-Carter (Toronto, ON) was searching to get the Tigers back on track for a 3-0 run. Using her hand as a weapon, Ella Hornby(Calgary, AB) made it 5-1. Huskies fought back to close the lead to 3 points, but the Tigers went on to ramp up their advantage to 11-3, the biggest point difference in the game.

Huskies battling out, and a tough serve got them as close as 23-19. Soon after, Lucy Glen-Carter (Toronto, ON) rocketed the ball through the block to extend the Tigers lead. Saint Mary's did catch up tying the game at 24 a piece. The team exchanged points; unable to get the two point gap required to win the game. The Tigers held on to win the set 32-30 and keep the game alive.

The fourth set saw SMU Huskies get out to an early lead, but the Tigers held it close. They kept scoring one at a time trailing by one point (19-20), forcing the Huskies to a strategic timeout. The game ended with a closely contested 23-25 set, with the Huskies never losing the lead, giving them a 3-1 win.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Huskies win! Alena Piatukhova finishes off the Tigers with a big block to give Saint Mary's the four set win (25-21, 25-18, 30-32, 25-23). pic.twitter.com/UlEMe0OMkH

— SMU Huskies (@SMUHuskies) January 28, 2023

Huskies middle Alena Piatukhova (Minsk, Belarus) was named Subway Player of the Game with 10 kills and a game-high six blocks. Megan Bruhm had a team-high 11 kills and added seven digs, while Olivia Bell stuffed the stat-sheet with 10 kills, 13 digs and five service aces. 

Tigers outside hitter Lucy Glen-Carter (Toronto, ON) had an outstanding performance with a game-high 26 kills.

The Huskies win improved their record to 9-4 on the season. They'll be back in action next weekend, visiting the Acadia Axewomen in Wolfville on Friday night, before returning to home court to host the UNB REDS on Saturday, 2 p.m. at the Homburg Centre. GET TICKETS

The Tigers loss dropped their record to 11-2 on the season, with both losses courtesy the Huskies. Dalhousie will be back on home court on Monday, Jan. 30, as they host the Memorial Sea-Hawks.