REDS defeat Huskies in five set thriller in game one of AUS semifinal
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UNB (2-0, 1-0) | 25 | 23 | 25 | 16 | 15 | 3 |
|
Saint Mary's (0-2, 0-1) | 20 | 25 | 21 | 25 | 13 | 2 |
HALIFAX, NS – The UNB REDS defeated the Saint Mary's Huskies in five sets (25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-16, 15-13) in game one of the Atlantic University Sport women's volleyball semifinal on Saturday night at the Homburg Centre in Halifax.
It was a back-and-forth affair all night long, with the two opposing 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.
HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��
— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) February 23, 2025
Putting the 'Em' in MVP! Emilia Mikanovich ends the second set with four straight points as the Huskies take it 25-23 to tie the match at a set-a-piece. pic.twitter.com/lEhmgVex9y
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 for the REDS, while setter Talia Nixon (Fredericton, NB) dished out a match-high 42 assists and added eight kills and two blocks.
The Huskies were led by an outstanding performance by left side Emilia Mikanovich (Minsk, Belarus) who was honoured as the AUS Most Valuable Player prior to the game, and went on to deliver a match-high 27 points on 24 kills, two aces, and a block, adding 18 digs and two assists. Left side Sydney Fader chipped in 12 kills and setter Grace Blaskovits dished out 41 assists and added two aces.
HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��
— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) February 23, 2025
Sydney Fader paints the corner before Emilia Mikanovich ends it with a kill as the Huskies take the fourth set 25-16 to force a decisive fifth set! pic.twitter.com/ShPWwAVwRZ
With the win, the REDS take the lead in the best-of-three AUS semifinal series. Game two will be played on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Homburg Centre. GET TICKETS
Recap by Allan April / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Eduardo Ibarra / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
