With belligerent blocks and severe spikes, the York Lions dominated the Queen’s Gaels
Annelise Vintila
Contributor
The Queen’s Gaels desperately tried to distract our women’s volleyball team by yelling and screaming every time the Lions served, but it only resulted in them losing their voices… and the game.
Led by Brandie Wilkerson, the team conquered the Gaels with a score of 3-1. This was their 10th win, securing their spot as the top contenders in the OUA (Ontario University Athletics).
Wilkerson had nine kills and 11 blocks that established her as the top player of the game. Named OUA Rookie of the Year in 2011, she guided her team to a near perfect season (the Lions have only lost to the Brock Badgers).
“You have to be open to criticism and working with new people and just trying to better yourself,” says Wilkerson. “I know I have so much to improve on so just knowing that will help me.”
Other key contenders were Melissa Humaña-Paredes, who had a streak of nine serves in the second set and a six-serve streak in the third set. She also added two service aces, similar to her teammate Beata Dye, who took charge of the court with her strategic blocks and vital coverage of incoming spikes and tips.
Head coach Nick Tran, who has been with the team since 2007, coaches one simple rule: “Communication is the foundation of strong defence. Without it, our defence is just six individuals and not one system. We stress that all the time, and I saw that, other than the first game. I think we did a pretty good job.”
The girls had complete coverage of their terrain and were able to communicate smoothly between themselves to protect their lead. They worked as a unit, unlike their divided opponents.
- The Gaels kept yelling and screaming to try distracting York’s servers. – Mark Grant
While the Gaels won the first set 25-20, their quick lead diminished. The Gaels appeared to be confused and disorganized in the second set as the Lions heightened their rapid comeback. By the fourth set, it was apparent that the Lions defeated the Gaels mentally and physically.
Natalie Grey, outside hitter for the Gaels, explains one reason behind their loss: ”I think our passing just fell apart.”
The Gaels’ frustration was noticeable as the Lions quickly stole the next three sets 25-15, 25-11 and 25-18.
Becky Billings, outside hitter for the Gaels, gained a memorable point by blocking Humaña-Paredes’ spike in the second set, ending Humaña-Paredes’ nine-point service streak. With the help of Shannon Walsh (defence) and Katie Hagerty (middle), the Gaels had much potential to repeat the glory of their first set. The team’s lack of communication eventually led them to the fourth loss of their season.
Joely Christian-Mcfarlane, head coach of the Gaels for five years, remains positive and offers advice on how to accomplish a successful game: “I think that you have to be patient when you play and that it’s the little things that make the difference in the match. You know it’s not the big skills, it’s not the big blocks, it’s actually the small details about the game that make the biggest difference overall.”
As the Lions are winning most of their games, there is a growing fan base supporting their every move. The Lions will be travelling next to Windsor to face against the Windsor Lancers on January 28, and if they continue to perform as successfully as their previous games, their fans should have ample reason to keep cheering.
