Queen’s Women’s Volleyball took on the Waterloo Warriors this Friday in the ARC. The Gaels secured another straight set victory (25-16, 25-23, 27-25).
Queen’s maintained a strong defensive presence at the net, bagging 11blocks. Middles Amanda Siksna (Education) and Christine Abu (Arts & Science) amassed six and two respectively.
“We really challenge our middles in our gym to work on read blocking so they’re relying on what they’re seeing on the other side. Our middles do a tremendous job of being able to know what the setter on the other side of the net is running, what their priority is, and then they’re so fast with their first move so they’re able to get into all zones,” Head Coach Shanice Marcelle said.
“Those big blocks and positive touches are just what we need because then we also get in the head of the other team, force them to make uncommon shots, tips and rolls and things. I think that overall, on our side it positively effects our momentum,” Abu added.
The Gaels built up a solid lead through the first set, with their defense running smoothing and their offense firing on all cylinders. Queen’s took the set with a decisive 25-16finish.
In a marathon second set, the Gaels and the Warriors went point for point, tying up the score on multiple occasions.
“I think there were a lot of times where things were chaotic on their side of the court, and it almost bled into how we were playing. So really trying to focus on finding our rhythm finding our level of control and just doing the things that we day in and day out,” Marcelle reflected.
The Gaels, however, never trailed by more than two points and secured the second set win.
The Warriors gave one final push in the third set, taking the Gaels to extra points. Aided by their positive team chemistry and a final kill from Hannah Duchesneau (Arts & Science), Queen’s took the set.
“Before a game we always talk about giving and taking confidence, making up for where someone else might not be as confident. We always try to do intentional things like smiling at each other, making sure we connect. We’re high-fiving, hugging, whether we won the point or lost the point. I think that really affects our team atmosphere,” Abu commented.
In the win, Duchesneau led in points, with 13. Claire Carter (Business) accrued another 10, with seven kills.
The Gaels take on the Warriors again on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 4pm. Tickets are free for students and can be purchased through the Queen’s ticket website.