Thunder Bay – SPORTS – The Lakehead women’s volleyball team competed in the Gee-Gees Preseason classic over the weekend in their first competition of the 2017/18 season. The Thunderwolves went 1-4 during the weekend playing against some tough competition to get them prepared for the OUA regular season.
The Thunderwolves faced Dalhousie in their first game of the tournament. Lakehead lost the first two sets 13-25, going on to win the third, although all pool matches were best 2 out of 3 – and all 3 sets are played guaranteed. Lakehead needed to work through some rough passing and offence during the game; however, they manufactured long rallies and had many opportunities to win points.
During the second game against uOttawa, the Thunderwolves started off very well in the first set. There was some glimmer of solid play as the match progressed but in the second set, Lakehead allowed 5 points off of reception error blowing the game open, taking away the chance of any comeback and ultimately falling 2-0 (25-19, 25-16).
Rookie Meghan Routier led the Thunderwolves with 14 kills, 21 digs along with Leah Mousseau with 13 kills and 20 digs.
After a good nights rest, the Thunderwolves started day two off strong with a solid 2-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-22) win against Sherbrooke. Jen Hammerton ran a strong and consistent performance and the team manufactured points in crucial situations. Passing improved as did defence and that led to a strong overall game and a much-needed win.
Rheanna Geisel had 3 stuff blocks and 11 digs along with Jen Hammerton and Leah Mousseau. Meghan Routier and Christie Lowe also had 2 aces each during their game against Sherbrooke.
Lakehead went on to face McMaster, one of the more physical teams of the tournament. Lakehead found their rhythm early and fought hard but were unable to capture the third set, losing 1-2 (25-18, 24-26, 25-18).
In their last game of the tournament, the T-wolves fell short against Guelph 0-3 (17-25, 23-25, 21-25) but rookies Meghan Routier and Abby Green stood out and had a solid day of play.
“Our team is looking to create its identity and we will be back to the drawing board tomorrow. Overall we learned a lot and have a great list of work to do. Now we get back to it and continue the work. This tournament has been a great event and we were honoured to be here”, stated Coach Green.
The T-Wolves next games are on October 5-7 at the Brock Thanksgiving Invitational.
Weekend Results
*All Pool Play Matches are best 2 out of 3 sets BUT all 3 sets are played guaranteed *
Day 1 – Pool play
Dalhousie vs. Lakehead 2-0
(25-13, 25-13)
Ottawa vs. Lakehead 2-0
(25-19, 25-16)
Day 2 – Pool play
Lakehead vs. Sherbrooke 2-1
(25-23, 23-25, 25-22)
Lakehead vs. McMaster 1-2
(25-18, 24-26, 25-18)
Day 3 – Playoff
* All Playoff Matches are best 3 out of 5 sets *
Lakehead vs. Guelph 0-3
(17-25, 23-25, 21-25)
