The Memorial Sea-Hawks took on the Dalhousie Tigers in the second semifinal of the AUS Tournament. The Tigers had only dropped one game during regular season play, while the Sea-Hawks had clinched the last spot in the playoffs, and were hoping to advance with the home crowd behind them.
The start of the first set saw a very organized and conscientious Sea-Hawks team playing good offense, serving well and maintaining a strong defensive presence. The Sea-Hawks were leading very deep into the first set with a score of 22-19. The Sea-Hawks seemed poised to take the first point of the night. However, a final strong offensive stretch saw the Tigers erase the Sea-Hawks good work to take the set with a score of 25-23.
The Sea-Hawks appeared to enter the second set with a different mindset. After a great first set, the Sea-Hawks found it harder to find the offensive momentum and defensive solidity that they had displayed earlier on during the game. The Tigers capitalized on an emotionally hurt Sea-Hawks and went up early on the set with a score of 16-8. The Tigers were to maintain and work on that lead to take the second set comfortably with a score of 25-14.
During the third set the Sea-Hawks regained some of the good sensations they had showcased during the first set. The Sea-Hawks communicated with ease and were offensively stronger than in the second set. The Sea-Hawks were only trailing by two points at the midway point of the third set (13-11). However, the Tigers launched another powerful offensive effort that saw them took the set and the game (25-16).
Kier Fey had 7 kills for the Sea-Hawks while Catherine Ducey added 4. For the Tigers, Julie Moore recorded 10 kills, with Victoria Haworth and Emma Ciprick adding 9 and 8 kills respectively.
The Dalhousie Tigers will face the Acadia Axewomen who emerged victorious in a five-set thriller against the Saint Mary's Huskies. The final will take place March 3rd at 7pm in St John's, NL (NST). Coverage of the final will be offered through AUStv.ca.