THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Lakehead University Thunderwolves women’s volleyball team made things interesting, and exciting as always, on Friday evening with a 3-2 win over the Waterloo Warriors (25-20, 25-23, 15-25, 13-25, 26-14).
The women got off to a great start, battling through two hard fought sets to begin the match and go ahead, 2-0.
The Warriors would respond in kind the following two sets, while Lakehead’s service reception stumbled and made things difficult for the ‘Wolves offense to execute their game plan.
With their backs against the wall, the Thunderwolves would seal the deal in the fifth and deciding set, but not without some late game drama. Lakehead seemed to be in control, leading for most of the set and up 14-10, before Waterloo’s Casey Clunas stepped to the service line and helped her team roll off four straight points. Luckily Lakehead would win the next two points to earn their first win in the Thunderdome this season.
Freshman Jessica Korchak was huge at the net for the ‘Wolves, finishing with 5 solo blocks and 4 block assists.
Veteran left side Jen Casey came up with big kills when her team needed her to, totalling a game-high 15 kills along with 8 digs. Setter Vanessa Masters made 33 assists in the win with 6 digs.
Fifth year libero Breanne Hilhorst did her part, making 13 digs in the win for Lakehead, while fellow fifth year Jasmine Fox was the team’s most efficient attacker, with 8 kills and 2 errors on 34 attempts and a total 11 points.
For the Warriors, Natasha Spaling had a team-high 14 points (8 kills, 6 solo blocks).
Coach Chris Green commented, “Waterloo was on top of their game tonight after they made the change moving Natasha back to the middle. Our girls did not adjust well, and that was frustrating.”
Green added, “Our attackers were less than stellar. They will have to figure out how to attack to win and not play in a passive manner. Overall our play was less than strong, our group will need to figure out how to be efficient tomorrow because we know Waterloo will not do anything but play as well if not better.”
The two teams will rematch tomorrow evening at 7pm in the Thunderdome.
Webcast coverage will be available via OUA TV.
