Rookies Meldrum, Millam lead the way but ‘Pack fall to Spartans

KAMLOOPS – The Thompson Rivers WolfPack women’s volleyball team got contributions from throughout their lineup Saturday night, but couldn’t overcome the No. 1 ranked Trinity Western Spartans in a 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-23) loss in Langley.
 
It was a pair of new faces that powered the way for TRU in the game. Rookies Libby Meldrum and Lucy Millam hung tough in a hostile environment against the top team in the nation. Meldrum directed the ‘Pack attack with 27 assists while also putting down a pair of service aces while Millam racked up a team-high nine kills. Siobhan Toal added six kills on 13 attacks to go along with two blocks.
 
Savannah Purdy had 11 kills and four service aces for Trinity Western followed by Kaylee Plouffe who had nine kills of her own.
 
After falling in the first two sets the ‘Pack nearly took the third.

A strong serving run from Kate Lamothe powered a five-point WolfPack run that saw TRU turn and 8-4 deficit into a 9-8 lead. The teams traded points through much of the rest of the set with back-to-back kills from Millam knotting the score up at 23-23. The Spartans weren’t going to be denied the sweep on the night however and a kill from Plouffe followed by an ace by Purdy ended the set and the match.
 
TRU will return to Kamloops for the final games of their 2022-23 campaign next weekend. Hosting the UBC Thunderbirds on Friday and Saturday night inside the TCC, the ‘Pack will be looking to knock off the second place T-Birds and end their season on a high note.