Match 1: VIU Mariners 3, Lynx d’Édouard-Montpetit 0
The defending CCAA Champion VIU Mariners made their presence felt right away on Day 1 as they sang along to the national anthem.
The Mariners won the match in three straight sets (25-15, 25-18, 25-18) and earned their ticket for the semi-finals.
CCAA All-Canadian Danielle Groenendijk led the Mariners with 10 kills and Andrea Cankovic gave a hard time to the Lynx receivers during the entire game, finishing off with four service aces.
Karoline Tormena and Groenendijk had a combined 20 kills, accounting for 60% of the team’s total. Setter Dorman-Banks had 23 assists during the match.
Gabrielle Fortin and Allissa Veilleux of the Lynx answered back with a combined 20 kills and setter Jeanne Martel completed the match with 22 assists.
Alissa Veilleux and Amanda Dobbyn earned Player of the Game honours for Édouard-Montpetit and VIU, respectively.
Match 2: Fanshawe Falcons 3, Red Deer Queens 2
On the day’s second match the Fanshawe Falcons from Ontario took on the Red Deer Queens from Alberta.
The Fanshawe Falcons of the OCAA defeated the Red Deer Queens of the ACAC in five fiercely-fought sets (28-26, 23-25, 22-25, 25-15, 15-11).
Both teams gave it their all in a very tight matchup. The game was characterized by long and exciting rallies.
Janelle Albert, the third-year captain and 2019 CCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, led the Falcons with 27 kills and 21 digs.
Falcons setter Ashley Rafferty had 51 assists and was named Player of the Game.
Tess Pearman and Emma Holmes led the Queens with 29 kills out of 77 attacks for the match.
Emma Letkeman, a rookie with the Queens, had 44 assists and 14 digs.McKenna Olson earned the title of Player of the Game for Red Deer.
Match 3: Élans de Garneau 3, Camosun Chargers 0
The host Élans de Garneau swept the Camosun Chargers in three straight sets (25-19, 25-14, and 25-17) to advance to the CCAA semi-finals.
CCAA All-Canadian Laurence Flamand led the Élans with 10 kills, three aces and eight digs. She was closely followed by Jade Marquis, named Player of the Game, who had 10 kills, four digs and two aces. Élans captain Rachel St-Amantpulled her weight for Garneau’s offensive performance with 29 assists and eight digs.
Camosun captain Katie Wayling showed her skill with 22 assists and seven digs. Mika Yamada, a native of Japan, was able to make eight kills for 26 attacks and nine digs. Finally, the Player of the Game, Sydney Svicenec led the Chargers’ offence with nine kills.
Game 4: Briercrest Clippers 3, Holland Hurricanes 0
The last matchup of the day featured two unbeaten teams, the Briercrest Clippers (22-0) of the ACAC and Holland Hurricanes of the ACAA (18-0). The Clippers led the charge early in the game and went on to win in three straight sets (25-12, 25-14, 25-14).
Clippers captain Ashley Erickson, who was named CCAA Player of the Year, was an inspiration to her team. She was very active on the court and finished the game with 18 assists and three aces. Briercrest dominated with 21 aces and many players contributed to the team’s potent offense.
Rebecca Garner, a veteran in her fifth season, counted eight kills and kept the Hurricanes on their heels with her strong serve. Mikayla Benterud was also a factor in the Clippers’ offensive success with six kills. Mia Harder received the Player of the Game award and had a success rate of .667.
Holland captain Samantha Gerbig led the Hurricanes with five kills and Abby Hyndman was named Player of the Game for her seven kills and two digs.