Mystics fall to Seawolves in straight sets
The Mystics showed resilience and competitive stretches throughout the match, challenging the Seawolves in key moments but would end up dropping the match in three sets.
(Halifax, NS) The Mount Saint Vincent Mystics competed closely throughout but fell in straight sets (25-16, 25-21, 25-19) to the UNBSJ Seawolves Sunday afternoon at the A. Garnet Brown Memorial Gymnasium.
The opening set saw both teams trade points early before the Seawolves used a five-point run, highlighted by two aces from Kate McLeod (Saint John, NB), to build an 8-3 advantage. The Mystics responded with a four-point run of their own, capped by a decisive kill from Emily Murphy (Moncton, NB), narrowing the gap to 8-7. UNBSJ regained momentum with consecutive aces from Haley Wilson (Nackawic, NB) to stretch the lead to 14-8. The visitors maintained control down the stretch to secure the set 25-16.
In the second set, the Mystics looked to establish early momentum, but the teams exchanged points before the Seawolves moved ahead 8-4 following strong net play and multiple blocks. Mount Saint Vincent answered with a three-point run, finished by a kill from Taylor Kukurski (New Denmark, NB). Dominique Gendron (Dieppe, NB) paced the Seawolves with several key kills and a steady service run. Midway through the set, the Mystics narrowed the deficit to 16-15 as Jenna Allison (Fall River, NS) contributed both a kill and a block. UNBSJ, however, controlled the closing points to take the set 25-21.
The Seawolves carried momentum into the third set, jumping out to a 4-1 lead behind consecutive kills from Elenna Bouzingou (Saint John, NB) and Gendron. The Mystics responded with a four-point run, highlighted by a kill and an ace from Seven McHatten (Charlottetown, PE), to move ahead 8-7. Later in the set, consecutive aces from Emily Robichaud (Fredericton, NB) helped UNBSJ regain the lead. Trailing 17-12, the Mystics battled back with three straight points on kills by Kukurski, Murphy, and McHatten. The Seawolves closed out the set 25-19 to secure the match.
Top Performers – Mystics
Seven McHatten – 7 kills
Jenna Allison – 6 kills, 2 aces
Maria Antle (St. John's, NL) – 22 assists
Top Performers – Seawolves
Dominique Gendron – 13 kills, 3 aces
Kate McLeod – 7 kills, 2 aces
Haley Wilson – 2 blocks, 2 aces
The Mystics return to the court next Sunday, February 15, when they host their crosstown rivals, the UKC Blue Devils. First serve is set for 2:00 p.m.