The Queen's Gaels fell 3-1 to the York Lions on Saturday afternoon on the road. Coming off last night's smooth three set sweep, today's game looked entirely different, as the Gaels struggled to find consistent momentum. Leading the Gaels' offense was fourth year outside hitter Abigail McAlpine (Arts & Science) with 14 kills, 5 digs, and 1 solo block, while third year outside hitter Claire Carter (Business) made 9 kills, 3 solo blocks, 7 digs, and 1 service ace. Fourth year setter Kennedy Millin (Education) supported the team with 37 assists, 2 service aces, and 2 kills, while fifth year libero Holly Biasi (Arts & Science) led the team in digs with 18.
Queen's struggled with eight errors early on, allowing York to find a 9-4 lead. The Gaels showcased their composure, with Carter coming through with three back-to-back kills to swing the momentum back towards the away team. Ten consecutive points from the Gaels brought them an 18-9 lead, as Queen's established a comfortable distance on the scoreboard and held onto this lead. The Gaels took the first set 25-17, with support from Christine Abu (Arts & Science) who made the sole service ace in the game going into the second set.
The Gaels carried their momentum into the second set, as they posted the first four points. Setter Millin made back-to-back service aces, exciting the away team's bench. York managed to generate some offensive momentum mid-set, making four consecutive points, however, the Gaels still held a 16-13 lead. Queen's made some substitutions late in the set, as York closed in on the away team's 22-21 lead after three Lions service aces. York was able to overturn the Queen's lead at 23-22, as the Gaels found themselves trailing for the first time in the second set. Queen's narrowly fell to the Lions 25-22 after York powered through with eight consecutive points to close the second set.
After a difficult end to the second set, the Gaels had struggled to find their rhythm in the third set. Millin made a kill off the second contact to put the setter on the scoreboard, thrilling the Queen's bench. York held a small lead for the entire third set, and while Queen's managed to bring the Lions' lead within one multiple times, they were unable to overturn it. The Gaels struggled with their defense, giving the Lions the opportunity to take the third set 25-21.
Queen's regrouped after the third set, as they trailed two sets to one. The Gaels found themselves behind by two points early on in the fourth set, but displayed resilience as they tied the score back up at 10-10. Despite this, York found an 18-12 lead, while Queen's fought to stay alive in the game. The Lions managed to reach set point first and ultimately took the set 25-16 to win the game 3-1.
Up next, the Gaels will face off against the Lakehead Thunderwolves on the road on Friday, November 28th at 6pm. As Queen's moves their record to 4-4, they will play two games against the Thunderwolves next weekend before the winter break.
