Entering this weekend coming off a strong two game win streak, the York University Lions women’s volleyball take their game to Kingston to face the RMC Paladins. Defeating the Trent Excalibur last weekend 3-1 in both games, York jumped higher in the standings and is looking to continue their climb this weekend.
Another Friday night in Tait McKenzie Centre, the Excalibur rolled into town but the Lions were ready for their opponent. Taking a solid start in the first set, Megan McDonald led off with a couple of service aces, and Victoria Herrington solidified a first set victory with a kill, 25-15. Set two was a little tighter as the play was back-and-forth, tied 6-6. York muscled ahead and earned five-points, before closing out the set 25-22 leading 2-0. The Excalibur worked their way back, taking the third set and pushing the game into a fourth. The Lions took a quick 8-4 lead, before being down 14-12. Ella Rohani closed in the set ending on three big kills for a 5-22 win and a 3-1 match victory.
Facing off again on Saturday evening, York was eager for a weekend sweep, and leading the way was Alisa Trubyuk and Victoria Herrington. A tightly contested opening set saw a break as the Lions took an 11-7 lead, and continued their momentum rounding out set one 25-17. Set two was similar with back-and-forth action and tying 9-9. The Excalibur surged ahead 18-13, before taking the second set and the game was tied 1-1. Coming out strong for the third set, York was determined to win, taking a 17-5 lead. Complete domination earned them a 25-11 set three win. Amarai Endes jump started the fourth set and the Lions had a six-point lead 20-14. Remaining composed, York sealed the last set 25-17, earning another 3-1 match victory.
The Match-up:
Feb. 2 York (3-12) vs. RMC Paladins (0-14)
Feb. 3 York (3-12) vs. RMC Paladins (0-14)
Game Details:
Fri., Feb. 2 @ RMC (8:00 pm)
Sat., Feb. 3 @ RMC (4:00 pm)
Current Streaks:
York – Won 2
RMC – Loss 14
Quick Facts:
York:
- York is 3rd in the OUA in total attacks (1942)
- The Lions 139 block total leads the OUA
- Jessica Reynolds is 3rd in the OUA with 193 digs
RMC:
- The Paladins 5 ball handling errors is 2nd in the OUA
- RMC is 9th in the OUA in block solo (42)
- The Paladins 5.40 kills per set is 14th in the OUA
Lions to Watch:
#3 VICTORIA HERRINGTON: First-year outside hitter… Playing in all 15 matches this season and seeing action in 52 sets, she is 19th in the OUA in receptions with 217… For her rookie season, she has recorded 11 service aces, 17 block total, 83 digs, and 375 total attacks for a .067 hitting percentage… She has hit a seasons high 10 kills, three times this year, earning 10 kills in both matches against the Trent Excalibur, and she earned a career high 13.5 points on Jan. 27 against Trent.
#14 MEGAN McDONALD: Third-year setter… In 15 matches and 57 sets played this season, she currently ranks fourth in the OUA with 389 assists, good for 6.82 assists per set… Assisting her team defensively, she has 11 block total on three block solo and eight block assist, and 89 digs… She recorded a seasons high 38 assists on Jan. 5 against Guelph, where she also tallied two kills on two total attacks… On Jan. 27 against Trent, she had 36 assists, three total attacks and 1.5 points on the game.