Despite a three sets to none loss against the Dalhousie Agricultural Rams on Saturday, the UNB Saint John women’s volleyball team came out thundering against the visiting Holland College Hurricanes on Sunday, Jan. 19.
The Seawolves trumped the last place Hurricanes 25-17 in the first set, with middle Katherine Houser picking up six kills in this set alone.
The Calgary, Alberta native and back-up setter Karleigh Driedger got some playing time early on due to the Seawolves digging and hitting success.
It was not all clear skies for the ladies, lapsing in the second set to lose 25-20 to a resurgent Hurricanes team.
Cruising to a 6-0 lead in the third set, the Seawolves began to let that lead slip due to some accurate hitting by the Hurricanes. Clean setting from captain Megan Fitzpatrick and well-timed blocking efforts by right side hitter Alison Stymiest were influential in allowing the home team Seawolves to bounce back to a 25-12 set victory.
The third set was one of the most impressive team efforts seen at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre all season for the Seawolves. Driedger was once again introduced to the game to seal the final points of the set, and delivered it with crisp setting.
Karleigh Driedger felt the biggest past of the Seawolves win today was team unity. “We had fun together and worked as a team today.”
The fourth set saw the Seawolves thunder the Hurricanes 25-11 to grab the win, which included a run of thirteen consecutive points.
Perhaps the Seawolves strongest point of the victory Sunday was consistent serving. Coach Kevin Manuel commented, “We work on serving a lot. Traditionally, serving is one of our strengths.” Manuel’s belief of “we play well because we serve well,” was proven on the court.
Katherine Houser finished with a team-high 11 kills and Alison Stymiest led with six digs.
The Seawolves hit the court again next Saturday with a home game against the Université Sainte-Anne Dragons at 7:30 p.m.
