KINGSTON, Ont. (January 22, 2010) – A balanced offensive attack and stellar defence helped lift the Queen's Gaels (8-5) women's volleyball team to a four set victory over the Ottawa Gee Gees (4-9) on Friday night at the Athletics & Recreation Centre.

The opening set started slow for the Gaels as Ottawa jumped out to an 8-3 lead at the first technical timeout. The Gaels were able to battle back to even the set at 14 but the Gee Gees held on the rest of the way to take the set 26-24.

In the second set, the Gaels got strong performances from Natalie Gray of Oshawa, Ont., and Julie Lockwood of Calgary, Alta., to easily take the second set 25-12.

The third set saw both teams go on runs early on but the Gaels held a 16-14 lead at the second technical timeout. From there, Queen's took over the set and a big block from middle Katie Matthews of Aurora, Ont., gave the Gaels a 25-15 set victory.

The fourth set would prove to be the final set of the match as Queen's took a big lead and ended up winning the set 25-12.

Lockwood, who had a game-high 36 assists, was named the player of the match for the Gaels. Also having strong games were Becky Billings of Ottawa, Ont., who played excellent defense and had 14 digs. Gray led the Gaels offensive attack with 14 kills while Lorna Button of Newcastle, Ont., had a number of big kills and finished with 12 in the game.

The Gaels will be back in action tomorrow night when they welcome the Brock Badgers to town. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 pm.