The most anticipated match of the weekend did not disappoint the packed house at UNB Saint John as the Holland College Hurricanes looked to upset the 2nd place Tommies to win a spot in the ACAA final on Sunday.
A full complement of fans supporting both Holland College and Saint Thomas University filled the stands, complete with flags and noise makers, to cheer their respective teams to victory.
The first set started with high intensity as both teams hit well, trading points throughout. The Hurricanes found themselves up by four points late in the set from an un-returnable Kenton Dawkins serve.
The Tommies fought back with a kill from Nicolas Levesque, as well as forcing a couple of errors from the Hurricanes, managed to take the set in extra points 26-24.
Saint Thomas came into the second set with momentum after the first set comeback, taking advantage of early errors from the Holland College squad.
Stephane Blinn of the Tommies, went on a streak with three back to back kills, followed by a service ace from teammate, Brett Butler, put this set firmly out of reach for the Hurricanes ending 25-12.
Facing elimination from the championships the Hurricanes had to play at the top of their game to give them a chance at a comeback after losing an early two sets.
However the Tommies did not let up, starting the set off strong, with kills from Ryan Dickson, Levesque, and S. Blinn.
The Hurricanes kept pace, and staged a comeback with a four point run to pull to within one point of the Tommies, forcing a timeout.
The Hurricanes continued to push, taking points off errors from the Tommies and a kill from Peter Frenette, taking the lead.
Facing match point, Saint Thomas got a break off an attack error from the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes continued to pound the Tommies and found themselves in position to end the set yet again.
The Tommies quickly turned the game with two quick kills, turning the tables on Holland College, and with a late error the Tommies secured the win taking the set and the game.
Players of the game were Hurricanes libero Peter Frenette and the Tommies Stephane Blinn
Saint Thomas will face the first seed Seawolves in the final on Sunday February 28 at 2:30 pm.
