YORK RETURNS TO TAIT FOR A WEEKEND SERIES IN TRENT

After a weekend series against the Queen’s Gaels in Kingston worked in the favour of the home side, the York University Lions women’s volleyball team is back in action at Tait Mckenzie Centre. Hosting the Trent Excalibur on Friday and Saturday evenings, the Lions are working for their first victory of 2024.

A snowy Kingston night saw the Gaels sweep the Lions in three sets. Alisa Trubyuk had the game tying kill early at 5-5, and Victoria Herrington joined her with a kill to bring some energy to the Lions. The Gaels got ahead 23-16 and ended set one 25-17. Queen’s was dominant in the second set from the start but Quincy Johnson got the wheels in motion for the Lions springing the team to a five-point run. A momentum shift back to the Gaels gave them the 25-19 set two win. Working to comeback, the Lions dropped off in the third set as the Gaels got ahead and concluded the game 25-12 with a 3-0 victory.

A quick turnaround to play Queen’s again the first two sets played out similarly to the evening before and the Gaels had a 2-0 set lead. A solid block from Amarai Endes and Herrington maintained the Lions 11-8 lead, before going point-for-point and tying 22-22. York’s team game earned them the 25-23 third set victory bringing the game 2-1 in favour of Queen’s. A fourth set determination from Queen’s solidified the game as the home side won 25-19, ending the game 3-1.

The Match-up:

Jan. 26 York (1-12) vs. Trent Excalibur (2-10)
Jan. 27 York (1-12) vs. Trent Excalibur (2-10)

Game Details:

Fri., Jan. 26 vs. Trent (6:00 pm OUA.tv)
Sat., Jan. 27 vs. Trent (6:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York – Loss 8

Trent – Won 2

Quick Facts:

York:

• The Lions lead the OUA in solo blocks (84)
• York’s 854 receptions is 4th in the OUA
• Amarai Endes is 5th in the OUA in blocks per set (0.90)

Trent:

• Kathryn Beresford leads the Excalibur with 86 kills.
• Elizabeth Turner leads Trent with 15 total blocks.
• Isabelle Pellerine is the Excalibur’s ace leader (15).

Lions to Watch:

#1 ALISA TRUBYUK: Third-year outside hitter… In her 13 matches and 43 sets played, she is second on the Lions with 75 kills, averaging 1.74 kills per set on 286 total attacks… She has recorded 12 service aces and 99 digs, along with 11 block solo, 16 block assists for 27 total blocks… She led the Lions on Jan. 20 against the Queen’s Gaels with eight kills and eight digs.

#14 MEGAN McDONALD: Third-year setter… In her third season with the Lions, she has played in 13 matches and seen action in 49 sets… She is fifth in the OUA with 322 assists and ninth in assists per set, averaging 6.57… Defensively she has tallied 82 digs and eight total blocks with five receptions.