Montreal tops Dal 3-1

(Halifax, N.S.) – A 21-kill performance from outside hitter Godefroy Veyron-Trudel (Montreal, QC) made the difference on Saturday afternoon at the Dalplex, as the Montreal Carabins (8-1) topped the Dalhousie Tigers (6-3) 3-1 (25-19, 19-25, 25-19, 26-24) in the second AUS-RSEQ Interlock event of the season.

Veyron-Trudel recorded the deciding kill in both the third and fourth sets, in what was otherwise a closely fought matchup.

The first set was tightly contested, with the Carabins breaking away at the midway point. Up 11-9, they were able to record seven of the set's next 10 points to take the 1-0 match lead. Montreal had 15 total kills compared to just seven for Dalhousie, with Veyron-Trudel leading the way with seven.

The Tigers bounced back in the second set, with outsider hitter Kristen O'Brien (Truro, NS) and middle blocker Matthew Woods (Halifax, NS) producing at key times. O'Brien tallied five of his 14 overall kills – including the set winner – while Woods had two assisted blocks.

Montreal answered back in the third set, fighting off two separate comeback attempts by the Tigers.

The visitors would lead 9-3 as well as 19-11, however Dalhousie was able to close the Carabins lead to just two, and four points, respectively. The hosts were unable to maintain their momentum on both occasions however, as Montreal's attack was too strong.

The Carabins were led by middle blocker Mikael Dagenais (Montreal, QC) and outside hitter Philippe Carrier (Gatineau, QC), who both finished with three kills in the set. Dagenais also recorded a service ace.

The fourth and final set featured a reversal of fortune, as this time it was Montreal that was able to fight off a 17-11 deficit to pull out the win. Veyron-Trudel made his presence felt with a set-high nine kills, including the final two for his team.

Both teams are back in action at the Dalplex later tonight. The Tigers will be facing Sherbrooke while Montreal will battle Memorial.