The Queen's Gaels took down the Brock Badgers in a swift three-set game on Saturday evening at the ARC. Fourth year outside hitter Reed Venning (Arts & Science) led the Gaels in points with 14, coming from 9 kills, 4 service aces, and 2 block assists, as well as making 6 digs. Fourth year outside hitter Nikola Mitrovic (Economics) led the team in kills with 11 and also put up 2 solo blocks. Fourth year setter Chris Zimmerman (Arts) supported the team in a big way with 34 assists, 1 service ace, 2 block assists, and 1 kill.
Coming off a three-set sweep win last night, the Gaels settled into the game quickly and found the early lead. A service ace by fourth year Venning brought a 7-3 lead to the Gaels and a Brock timeout. The home team's offense was rolling, with 18 kills in the first set, overshadowing Brock's 4 kills. The Gaels reached set point first with a confident 24-16 lead. Three consecutive kills, coming from Venning, Zimmerman, and Mitrovic closed the first set, with Queen's taking it 25-16.
The Gaels carried their momentum into the second set, earning an 11-7 lead after back-to-back kills from third year outside hitter Ben Carr (Arts & Science). Fourth year Izaak Zabjek (Kinesiology) made a service ace mid-set, exciting the home bench. Despite their momentum, the Gaels gave up 6 out of 8 points in a row, allowing the Badgers to close in on the home team's 13-12 lead. Queen's benefited from service errors from Brock, preventing the away team from overturning the lead. A huge block by Mitrovic elated the Queen's bench, as they regained a 17-13 position on the scoreboard. The Gaels held onto this lead, allowing them to reach set point first. The Gaels finished the set with an impressive double block from Venning and Alex Brdarevic (Engineering), winning the set 25-17.
Venning picked up their fourth service ace of the night, lighting up the home bench and bringing the Gaels to an 8-2 lead. Queen's went on a seven-point streak, as they tore away with the lead. The teams exchanged service errors, slowing the momentum on both sides. With the game on the line, the Badgers attempted to close the gap on the scoreboard, but the Gaels were looking dominant. Queen's reached match point with a 24-11 lead and closed off on a staggering service ace from Zabjek to win the set 25-11.
Up next, the Gaels will face off against the Trent Excalibur at home on Friday, October 31st at 7:30pm. Queen's improves their record to 2-0 and will look to earn themselves another win next weekend.
