Mystics outlast Chargers five-set thriller

(Halifax, NS) The Mount Saint Vincent Mystics battled through five hard-fought sets to defeat the Crandall Chargers 3–2 (25-14, 25-23, 23-25, 20-25, 15-12) on home court, showing resilience and composure to close out the match in the decisive fifth set.

The Mystics set the tone early in the opening set, using a four-point run highlighted by an ace from Taylor Kukurski (New Denmark, NB) to build an 8–3 lead. Momentum continued to swing in the hosts' favour as a five-point surge, capped by back-to-back blocks from Rebekah McGeoghegan (Stratford, PE), pushed the advantage to 14–7. Mount Saint Vincent closed the set in dominant fashion, finishing with a late six-point run to claim the opener 25–14.

The second set proved much tighter, with both teams trading points and narrow leads throughout. Late in the frame, the Mystics seized control with a five-point run featuring consecutive kills from Jenna Allison (Fall River, NS) and an ace by Cela MacLellan (Sydney, NS) to go ahead 23–21. Mount Saint Vincent held on to secure the set 25–23 and take a 2–0 lead in the match.

The Chargers responded in the third set, gaining momentum midway through behind a strong offensive push from Charlie Benoit (Saumaurez, NB), who helped the Chargers build a 15–9 lead. The Mystics mounted a late comeback attempt, highlighted by consecutive kills from Seven McHatten (Charlottetown, PE) and MacLellan to pull within one at 24–23, but the Chargers closed out the set on the next point to take it 25–23.

The Chargers carried that energy into the fourth set, looking to extend the match. Benoit again led the charge with a trio of kills, followed by two key blocks from Rylie Regier (Warman, SK), as Crandall opened up a 16–11 lead. The Mystics were unable to close the gap, and the Chargers claimed the set 25–20 to force a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, Mount Saint Vincent came out strong, jumping ahead 7–4 as McHatten contributed a block and a kill. Crandall pushed back behind Benoit, who recorded two more kills to cut the deficit to 11–9. The Mystics, however, held firm down the stretch, sealing the match when Kukurski delivered the final kill for a 15–12 set victory.

For the Mystics, Emily Murphy (Moncton, NB) led the attack with 12 kills and eight digs, while Kukurski posted a strong all-around performance with 10 kills and 17 digs. On the Chargers' side, Benoit recorded 17 kills and 18 digs, and Jolie Alain (Miramichi, NB) added 12 kills and 14 digs.

The Mystics return to action on Saturday, January 24th, when they travel to Sackville to take on the Mount Allison Mounties at 1:00 p.m.