Mystics fall to Dal in quarter-final round

The Dalhousie Rams earned their way into the 2025 ACAA Volleyball Championships semifinals in the tournament's first straight-set match, surprising the Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Mystics with a 3-0 victory in quarterfinal action on Friday afternoon at the McMillan Centre for Community Engagement.

While the final result was a sweep, each set saw incredibly close competition that never let down. Utilizing great positioning and reaction time and taking advantage of their loyal and energetic crowd's energy, the Rams finally beat the Mystics in their fourth attempt this season after going winless in the two team's three-game regular-season series.

The match began with a back-and-forth melee where neither team could gain a decent lead. Finally, in double-digit territory, the Rams started to pull away. MSVU called two timeouts while down 20-16 and 22-16, but Dalhousie's firepower was far too strong, which led them to a 25-18 set win and gave them a 1-0 game lead.

The second set was a roller coaster, beginning with the Rams jumping out to an 8-3 lead ahead of a Mystics timeout. It seemed the third time was the charm as MSVU pulled Dalhousie back into their grasp, eventually stealing the lead at 16-15. After a five-point run that gave the Mystics a 19-15 lead, the Rams called a timeout. With the snap of a finger, it's as if Dalhousie never faltered as they made a wild comeback, going from down 19-15 to stealing the set 25-22, taking a 2-0 game lead and putting the Mystics on the brink of elimination.

The third and final set began with a consistent pattern of Dalhousie pulling ahead and MSVU reeling them back in. When each team reached double digits, the Rams continued to capitalize on numerous fatal mistakes by the Mystics, who called two timeouts while down 17-12 and 21-12, but neither succeeded. Dalhousie saved their best set for last, sending MSVU home with a 25-12 set win and a straight-set game victory.

Leah Jollimore earned Rams Player of the Game honours after recording 32 assists, eight digs, and four block assists. Callie Immerkar contributed 15 kills, 13 digs, and three service aces. Maryn McCoombs, Megan McCoombs, Ashley Rideout, and Payton Hannon combined for 43 digs.

Mia Murphy was awarded Mystics Player of the Game honours after recording 13 digs, four kills, and two block assists. Cela MacLellan led in kills with eight while Hannah Huntley led in digs with 12. Mckenzie Antle scored the most assists with 25.

As the lowest advancing seed, the Rams will be tasked to upset the first-seed Mount Allison Mounties in semifinal action on Saturday at 1 p.m. During the two team's three-game regular-season series, the Mounties won all games in straight sets.