Going into Saturday night’s men’s third and final volleyball match, both teams had a lot on the line. The Dal Tigers could make it 22 straight AUS titles in a row and claim a spot at national championships this weekend in Quebec City. But the UNB Varsity Reds could stage an upset, as they did by winning the opener 3-1 just over a week ago in Halifax.
Cue Europe’s bombastic hit Final Countdown.
A winner-take-all match was nigh, and, for the fabulous student admission of zero dollars, I had the privilege to watch this hard-fought final in the stands. We Tigers fans noisily cheered every point and banged our black-and-gold tube-like balloons. Winning 3-0 and with set scores of 25-19, 25-15, 25-16, our Tigers are bound for la belle province.
Early on, Dal players established themselves as the top dogs. Defensive play was strong and creative. They played an organized game of volleyball, and were sportsmanlike from start to finish. Playoff MVP Sander Ratsep, an economics major, played exceptionally well. Beating the Varsity Reds was not easy, and their efforts in this game should not go underappreciated. Athletes on both teams looked like they had springs in their shoes. Players displayed speed and agility on both ends of the court at all times. The game was full of non-stop action.
With more than 600 people in the stands at Dalplex, there were plenty of fans for both teams. Varsity Reds players had many hometown enthusiasts to back them. The home of the Tigers welcomed their guests with open arms.
If I have one fond memory of a sporting event at Dalhousie, it was this game. Watching inspired me to get out and give it a try. (A few words to the wise: volleyball at midnight on a Saturday night is not a good idea. Save your play for a sunny summer day on the beach.)
The nationally sixth-ranked Tigers leave for the Canadian university championship on Wednesday. Action starts Friday at Laval University in Quebec City.
Lee Cristiano is a fourth- year English student at Dalhousie University.
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