Women's Volleyball

Memorial Sea-Hawks Advance to AUS Women’s Volleyball Championship Final

Memorial Sea-Hawks Advance to AUS Women’s Volleyball Championship Final
Posted: Feb 26, 2025

ST. JOHN'S, NL – February 26, 2025

The Memorial Sea-Hawks are heading to the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Women's Volleyball Championship Final after a thrilling semifinal series victory over the Dalhousie Tigers. The #4-seeded Sea-Hawks will now face the #2-seeded Saint Mary's Huskies in a best-of-three championship series at the Homburg Centre in Halifax, NS.

AUS Championship Final Schedule:

  • Game 1: Saturday, March 1 - Memorial at Saint Mary's, 7.30 p.m. NST

  • Game 2: Sunday, March 2 - Memorial at Saint Mary's, 7.30 p.m. NST

  • Game 3 (if necessary): Monday, March 3 - Memorial at Saint Mary's, 7.30 p.m. NST

This marks Memorial's return to the championship stage, where they will battle the Huskies for the AUS title and in the U SPORTS National Championship. The Sea-Hawks look to build on their momentum after a hard-fought semifinal series against Dalhousie.

Semifinal Recap: Memorial vs. Dalhousie

Game 1 – Memorial Edges Dalhousie in Five-Set Thriller

The Sea-Hawks set the tone early in the semifinal series with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Tigers at the Dalplex on February 21.

Set Scores:

  • Memorial 3, Dalhousie 2 (25-22, 14-25, 23-25, 25-21, 15-12)

Lydia Grawer led Memorial with an impressive 21 kills and a .375 hitting percentage. Taylar Johnston contributed 13 points, including 6 kills and 4 blocks, while setter Karen Greek recorded 48 assists. Memorial's defense was also key, with 73 digs and seven blocks to hold off the Tigers.

Game 2 – Dalhousie Responds with Dominant Win

Dalhousie bounced back in Game 2, securing a 3-1 victory on February 22 to even the series.

Set Scores:

  • Dalhousie 3, Memorial 1 (20-25, 25-17, 25-12, 25-17)

Memorial started strong, winning the first set, but struggled to maintain momentum as Dalhousie found its rhythm. Despite a 12-kill effort from Courtney Hodder and 21 team blocks, the Sea-Hawks couldn't contain Dalhousie's attack in the final three sets.

Game 3 – Memorial Clinches Series with Statement Win

With the season on the line, Memorial delivered a standout performance in Game 3, defeating Dalhousie 3-1 on February 23 to book their ticket to the championship final.

Set Scores:

  • Memorial 3, Dalhousie 1 (26-24, 20-25, 25-21, 25-14)

Hodder had her best match of the series with 18 kills and 15 digs, while Grawer added 16 kills. The Sea-Hawks' service game was particularly strong, registering 13 aces, with Taylar Johnston contributing four. Memorial's balanced attack and disciplined defense paved the way for a decisive fourth-set victory.

Looking Ahead: Memorial vs. Saint Mary's

The AUS Championship Final promises an exciting showdown between the Sea-Hawks and the Huskies. Saint Mary's, the #2 seed, enters the final after a strong regular season and semifinal win. Memorial, riding the high of their upset over Dalhousie, will look to carry that momentum into Halifax.

Fans can follow all the action live on AUS TV as Memorial competes for their first AUS title in recent history.