The Queen's Gaels fell 3-0 against the Nipissing Lakers on Saturday afternoon in the ARC. Leading the Gaels offense was third year outside hitter Claire Carter (Business) with 10 kills, 2 service aces, and 6 digs. Third year setter Ellaina Coley (Arts & Science) supported the team with 17 assists, 1 kill, and 1 service ace. Pascale Galarneau (Health Sciences) had a strong game at the net, with 8 kills, while Abigail McAlpine (Arts & Science) made 3 solo blocks and 7 kills.
After last night's three set sweep by the Gaels, the teams started the game much more evenly matched. The first timeout of the game came from the home team, as they regrouped after Nipissing found a 10-7 lead. The Gaels returned on a roll, with a kill by Carter and a service ace by Kennedy Millin (Education). Despite this, the Lakers found a slight 19-16 lead. Christine Abu (Arts & Science) and Carter both made service aces late in the set, forcing a Nipissing timeout as the Gaels shortened their lead to 20-21. Queen's found momentum late in the set, however, it was not enough as the Lakers took the first set 25-21.
Trailing by one set, the Gaels remained composed. Setter Coley made a kill off the second contact to keep the game close, thrilling the home crowd. Carter and Coley both made service aces in the set to contribute to the offense, however, the teams remained tied up to 18-18. Late in the set, the Lakers found their groove, with four unanswered points bringing them to set point. A kill by Galarneau from Coley kept the Gaels alive for one more point before falling 25-20 in the second set.
With the game on the line, Queen's came into the third set firing and earned themselves an 8-3 lead. Setter Millin made a strategic kill off the second contact, but six back-to-back points from the Lakers erased the Gaels' lead, tying the score at 11-11. Queen's dug deep, keeping the score close as the teams tied up to 22-22. The Lakers reached set point off a service ace that Queen's could not return and managed to win the set 25-22 to take the game.
Up next, the Gaels will play the York Lions on the road at 6pm on Friday, November 21st. They move their record to 3-3 and will look to pick up a win against the Lions next weekend.
