THUNDER BAY – Karla Brayshaw ended an illustrious and dedicated career as a Thunderwolf on Saturday evening in the team’s final match of the season, ending in a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Gee Gees (15-25, 23-25, 16-25). Brayshaw had played all 5 years of eligibility for the LU Thunderwolves, since beginning in 2006. The match began with a ceremony to honor Brayshaw, as well as graduating player Michelle Cournoyer (who still has 1 year of eligibility remaining). They received an arrangement of flowers, a framed jersey and congratulations from LU Athletics Director Tom Warden.
Following the fanfare, however, Lakehead was slow to begin the match, losing the first set in fairly lack-luster fashion. Their effort and execution came roaring back in the second set, as they led 20-11, only to have Ottawa string together some great plays and eventually tie the score at 21, before the Gee Gees finished off the set 25-23. The third set didn’t offer much more from the Lakehead team, and Ottawa closed out the match.
Top scorers for Lakehead were Vanessa Chowkawy with 9 points (all kills) followed by Jorie Daymond with 7 points (3 kills, 4 service aces), while Karla Brayshaw had 2 kills and 2 blocks.
Ottawa had two players in double-digit scoring, Laura Carmanico with 12 (10 kills, 2 service aces) and Kayla Hammond Bell with 11 (9 kills, 2 service aces).
Post game remarks from LU Head Coach Chris Green beckoned to the future of the team. “Full credit to Ottawa to fight for their playoff spot. It’s too bad we didn’t have the fight in us tonight that we did on Friday. Now we turn to the off-season and focus on getting better so that next year, we’re winning the close games and will avoid nights like tonight”.