Queen’s Women’s Volleyball Secures First OUA Win Of The Season

 Queen’s Women’s Volleyball took on the Nipissing Lakers in their season opener at the ARC. The Gaels bagged a straight set win (25-16, 25-18, 25-23).

Outside Claire Carter (School of Business) led the way for Queen’s in points, with 16. Aimee Lemire (Faculty of Education) and Amanda Siksna (Faculty of Education) put up an additional 8 and 8.5 respectively.

The Gaels started out the first set slow, going point for point with the Lakers, until they found their rhythm.

“I think we just trusted in one another. Its really hard to start a season and be crisp from the get go and I think it was just relying on one another and knowing they could get the job done and allowing the rest to shake out. I think they did a really good job of trusting one another and trusting their roles,” Head Coach Shanice Marcelle said, reflecting on the first set.

Once they hit their stride Queen’s demonstrated an aggressive presence at the net, accruing 7 blocks in the first set alone.

The Gaels continued their domination in the second set, with big kills from Hannah Duchesneau and Carter.

Carter also picked up a six-serve run, serving through two Nipissing time outs.

“Over the summer I just worked with a lot of coaches, especially with the national program, being able to build that strength, control, and placement on the court. Shanice has supported me going forward with it and I’m really happy with how it went tonight,” Carter said.

Not willing to take a loss, Nipissing fought back in the third set, again taking the Gaels point for point. After a long battle, Queen’s came out on top, taking the set and their first victory of the season.

“I think we’ve been really confident and comfortable with being uncomfortable. We’re getting comfortable with learning new things, being creative on the court, and I think it really showed today,” Marcelle added.

The Gaels face off against the Lakers again in the ARC tomorrow Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2pm. Tickets are free for students.