The Queen's Gaels defeated the Trent Excalibur 3-0 in straight sets on Saturday afternoon in the ARC. First year setter Kenzie Lahey (Arts & Science) was incredible on the service line, making 5 service aces as well as 25 assists, 9 digs, and 1 kill. Third year outside hitter Claire Carter (Business) led the offense with 14 kills, 3 service aces, 6 digs, and 1 solo block. Fifth year libero Holly Biasi (Arts & Science) was strong on defense with 12 digs and supported with 4 assists.
After last night's sweep, the Gaels came into the first set rolling on offense. The home team picked up the first six points, resulting in an early Trent timeout. In this early point streak, first year Lahey picked up a service ace, Carter put up three kills, and Lauren MacPhail (Arts & Science) put up a kill. Setter Lahey and middle MacPhail were connecting well at the net, finding the middle's second kill of the set. Carter was consistent on the service line, making their first service ace of the game and putting Queen's up 9-1. Trent managed to put a few points on the scoreboard, but the Gaels were dominant, reaching set point with a comfortable 24-11 lead. Lahey put up an outstanding four service aces in the set, stunning the Excalibur. Queen's closed the set on a kill from Carter, taking it swiftly 25-12.
Early in the second set, Lahey came through with another strategically placed short serve, earning their fifth ace of the game. Shortly after, Carter put down a powerful spin serve to pick up their second ace of the game. The Excalibur seemed to settle into the second set, not allowing the Gaels to tear away as quickly as they did in the first. Carter made an impressive kill from the back row to bring the Gaels an 8-5 lead, sparking the beginning of a 6-point streak from the home team. Fourth year middle Christine Abu (Arts & Science) made back-to-back kills, followed up by Lahey putting the ball over on the second contact to surprise the Excalibur and earning the setter a kill in the game. Second year Tasmin Munroe (Life Sciences) subbed onto the court late in the set to make back-to-back blocks, bringing the Queen's lead to 22-10. The Gaels won the set 25-11, ending on a kill by Munro on the outside.
Trent found their first lead of the game in the third set, going up 5-2 before the Gaels responded by earning the next 8 out of 9 points. First year Lauren Matthes (Arts & Science) put up a service ace followed up by a kill, thrilling the home crowd. The Excalibur began to struggle with their errors, allowing Queen's to distance themselves 15-8 on the scoreboard. Back-to-back aces from MacPhail brought the Queen's lead to 23-12, as they held a comfortable gap to finish the game in a three-set sweep. The Gaels took the final set 25-14 to earn themselves two sweeps against the Excalibur this weekend.
Up next, the Gaels will look forward to playing the Nipissing Lakers at home on November 14th at 6pm. Queen's came out of this weekend with two wins, improving their record to 2-2 so far this season.
