KINGSTON, Ont. (November 4, 2017) – The Queen's Gaels (2-0) swept the Nipissing Lakers (1-1) in three sets in their home opener. The scores of the sets were 25-22, 25-20 and 25-16 respectively in favour of the Gaels.

GAME FLOW
The Gaels started the match sending several hits towards the Nipissing Lakers early in the set. Queen's maintained a lead throughout the entire first set with kills from Natalie Crews (North Vancouver, B.C.) and Shannon Neville (Cambridge, Ont.). With a score of 23-16 for the Gaels, Nipissing began to battle their way back, gaining five points. The Gaels closed the set with a hit from Neville and a Lakers service error making the final score 25-22.

The second set started with a service error for the Lakers, putting Queen's in the lead 1-0. The Gaels and the Lakers kept the score close with only a three point difference throughout the entire set. Queen's had four blocks this set and managed 11 kills. With the help of Saffron van der Linde (Vancouver, B.C.) and Sierra Hardy (Oakville, Ont.), the Gaels extended their lead and took the set with a score of 25-20.

W?? - A huge block for the Gaels! They will look to close out the win on https://t.co/9xTOznwjCF pic.twitter.com/dnMb8B6mC3

— Queen's Gaels (@queensgaels) November 4, 2017

The Tricolour started the third set with a powerhouse ace by Hardy. The Gaels kept their momentum and continued to play a fantastic offensive game. Neville showed her strengths in a five point serving rally, taking two aces before making a service error. Julia Wiercigroch (Mississauga, Ont.) played an strong third set making four kills, six digs and getting in10 total attacks. Queen's continued their momentum, increasing their lead with eight aces this set and 13 kills. The Gaels played a tight defensive game, keeping the Lakers to just 16 points. A Neville kill closed the set and the game with a score of 25-16 and a 3-0 win.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
8 – Aces served by the Gaels in the third set
9 – The highest point lead made by the Gaels this match
12 – Shannon Neville managed 12 kills this match

FINAL SAY
"I'm really proud of my team. We played the right way, we were aggressive and we didn't wait for the other team to make plays. It was a good exciting win and a great team effort." – Ryan Ratushniak

UP NEXT
The Gaels take on the York Lions on November 5^th at 1pm in Kingston at the Queen's ARC. Tickets are available at www.gogaelsgo.com/tickets.