The Queen's Gaels swept the Brock Badgers 3-0 on Friday night in their thrilling home opener. Fourth year outside hitter Reed Venning (Arts & Science) led the team offensively with 14 points coming from four service aces, one solo block, and eight kills. Nikola Mitrovic (Economics) led the team in kills with nine as well as one ace, while Ben Carr (Arts & Science) had eight kills and one ace. First year libero Carson Francis (Economics) led the team defensively with six digs, while Chris Zimmerman (Arts) supported the team with 32 assists, one kill, and one solo block.
The teams appeared closely matched at the start of the first set, as they exchanged points. The Badgers found an early 8-4 lead, forcing Queen's to call the first time out of the game. The Gaels fell into a rhythm post-timeout, with four consecutive points bringing them a slight 9-10 lead with the help of two kills by Mitrovic. A service ace from Venning resulted in Brock's first timeout, as the Gaels started to peel away with a 13-10 lead. Late in the set, a dump immediately followed by a solo block from fourth year setter Zimmerman thrilled the home crowd, bringing the Gaels to set point. After finding the lead, they held onto it, and Queen's took the first set 25-19.
The second set played out similarly to the start of the first, with both teams exchanging points and neither finding a substantial lead. Setter Zimmerman and middle Alex Brdarevic (Engineering) were connecting well at the net to generate quick kills, sending the ball over before the Badgers had time to react. The teams continued to tie up to the 19th point, when the Gaels began to distance themselves on the scoreboard. The home team reached set point first, 24-21, but the Badgers fought to extend the set, tying the game back up at the 24th point. In the high stress of extra points, Queen's remained composed to win the set 27-25 with the help of a kill from Carr and solo block by Mitrovic.
Early in the third set, the Badgers seemed to find some offensive momentum with three unanswered kills. Queen's maintained composure, responding with a kill from Mitrovic and service ace by Venning. The Gaels were aggressive on their serves, making six service aces as a team in the third set. Fourth year Izaak Zabjek (Kinesiology) made back-to-back aces, as the home crowd erupted. An ace by Carr brought the Gaels to set point, 24-19, but the Badgers managed to stay alive for two more points. Yet another great connection between setter Zimmerman and middle Brdarevic closed out the game 25-21, with the Gaels sweeping the Badgers 3-0.
Up next, the Gaels will rematch against the Brock Badgers tomorrow at 5:30pm at the ARC where they will look to find another win.
