THUNDER BAY – The Lakehead University women’s volleyball team were defeated 3-0 by the Windsor Lancers on Saturday afternoon, 25-15, 26-24, 25-18. Lakehead’s struggles of consistency, particularly passing, were apparent throughout the match, as Chris Green’s team had to play catch-up against a Lancers squad that managed to find their hitters, and serve tough when it mattered the most.
Once again, there were glimpses of greatness from the ‘Wolves, who had Brittany MacLeod go 9 for 12 on the attack with no hitting errors and 2 service aces for 11 total points.
The Lancers would show superiority from the serving line, acing the Pack 11 times compared to LU’s 6 service aces.
The Thunderwolves’ best chance at getting a set was in the 2nd, with the score tied at 23 following an LU rally. This would unfortunately unravel for the home side, as they could not get the digs and kills they so desperately needed during crunch time.
Kaila Seguin led the Lancers in scoring with 9 points. Setter Jessica Shepley had 20 assists, compared to LU’s Sara Hudson who had 26.
Although Lakehead did out-kill the Lancers (104-85), the game was decided by service reception errors (LU 9, Windsor 5). Both teams missed 4 serves.
Coach Chris Green could only wring his hands and watch it unfold, which was a let down following a solid week of practice. “Tonight I was very disappointed at how we transferred our week of training to the court. We have had players work so hard in practice and work well this week. Then game time comes and we are like deer in the headlights. We have to stay positive, and continue to work at getting the young players their reps and clock games, so they can mature. Our setter, Sara Hudson did a lot of good things tonight, but unfortunately she had so little help with the passing at times. She is growing well. She needs to clock games to gain the experience. Brittany Macleod was spectacular this afternoon. I mean we can’t say enough about her and her leadership. I have not seen a hitter finish with a .750 efficiency for a long time. Her experience is so valuable.
Time to focus on Western and get them back on track. Tough day, but the sun will come up and Western will be the next test.”
The women play the Western Mustangs tomorrow at 2 pm eastern in the Thunderdome.
Live webcast: www.ssncanada.ca/games