"We've been trying to close the gap against some of the stronger conferences in the country and I think Ontario is starting to close the gap. I'm really proud of our conference and what we're doing," said Gee-Gees head coach Lionel Woods. "For us to bounce back like this, after a really emotional game against York, it was nice to see."
Both teams had a sloppy start to begin the match, as the Gee-Gees trailed early in the first set, 10-7. But uOttawa used a 7-1 run to take a 14-11 lead midway through the set, with Ottawa's overall play being just a little bit more consistent than the Carabins' effort. A back-and-forth battle ensued, but thanks to the digging prowess of third-year left side Karina Krueger Schwanke and serving skills of second-year middle Alix Durivage, Ottawa took the first set 27-25.
Schwanke, who scored eight points in the first set, continued to excel for the Garnet and Grey as Ottawa took a 14-7 lead in the second set. The Gee-Gees won most of the longer rallies to keep at least a six point advantage throughout the rest of the set. Sophomore Colleen Morelli and Durivage combined for a huge block to end the set, which Ottawa won 25-13. The Gee-Gees ended the frame on a 9-3 run.
The Carabins' offence looked more organized to start the third set as the visitors took a 12-8 lead, their first advantage since early in the second set. But the Gee-Gees continually chipped away at Montréal's lead, finally tying up the set at 20 points apiece. Ottawa got two crucial kills late in the set from Durivage and third-year outside hitter Myriam English and won a tight third set by a score of 29-27.
"I think we learned a lot from the York match. We had the same focus throughout the whole match and we didn't miss too many serves, which was key," said English.
The Gee-Gees will now host the Windsor Lancers on December 1, in their final OUA match until the new year.
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1
|
2
|
3
|
Final
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|
Montréal
|
25
|
13
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27
|
0
|
|
Gee-Gees
|
27
|
25
|
29
|
3
|
Gee-Gees leading players: Karina Krueger Schwanke 19.5 points, 15 kills, 11 digs, Myriam English 12 points, 8 kills, 7 digs
Montréal leading players: Vicky Savard 11 points, 8 kills, 10 digs, Pamela Drapeau 6 kills, 4 solo blocks, 4 digs
