Women’s volleyball takes two sets from Mac before falling in fifth

Lakehead’s women’s volleyball lost again to McMaster on Sunday afternoon, but not before taking two sets from the Marauders. The loss moves Lakehead to 1-11, but the two sets won mark their first sets as victors in 2019. Set scores were 25-13, 25-20, 25-10, 25-21, 15-12, with Lakehead taking the second and fourth of the series.

“It was a much better game today,” Thunderwolves head coach Craig Barclay said. “Our team really had a gut check yesterday and responded well.” Saturday afternoon’s match saw the Marauders sweep the Thunderwolves in three straight sets.

Sunday’s match began similarly, with Lakehead putting up a fight early in the first set before losing 25-13, the same score of Saturday’s first set. The second, however, proved different, as the Thunderwolves kept their composure to tie it all at a set apiece. McMaster responded by tightening their defensive rotations and using their size and power to dominate the third set before the Thunderwolves rallied again to take the fourth set.

Notably, the fourth saw Lakehead jump out to a lead before the Marauders pulled back. The disciplined Thunderwolves held their ground and pushed for the fourth set win. The final set of the series was a back-and-forth affair with McMaster coming out ahead in front of an enthusiastic Thunderdome crowd.

“Today we were able to set up our offense better and have different players contribute at different times,” Barclay said. “It was a full team effort today against a good team.”

The Thunderwolves were again led by fifth-year Rheanna Geisel’s 27.5 points, including 20 kills on 72 attempts with only 5 errors. First-year right side Virginie Franks also played a big game, finishing with 10.5 points, including 8 kills on 30 attempts with only 1 error. Setter Rachel Sweezey finished with 33 assists and 16 digs.

Lakehead’s women’s volleyball is back on the road next weekend for another three-game series as the visiting team. The Thunderwolves face the Western Mustangs on Friday, February 1st, and Saturday, February 2nd, and then travel to St. Catharines to face the Brock Badgers on Sunday, February 3rd.

The Thunderwolves women’s volleyball team will be taking over the @lakeheadtwolves Instagram account next weekend, so make sure to follow for a behind-the-scenes take on the trip.

Volleyball games are available via webcast courtesy of OUA.tv