RECAP: Gee-Gees Pre-Season Classic another successful instalment for Women’s volleyball

The Gee-Gees Pre-Season Classic, an annual event dating back to the 1983 season, marked another successful tournament this past weekend, with 10 teams from across the four U SPORTS conferences competing.

The Manitoba Bisons were crowned tournament champions following three-day of intense volleyball action on the courts at Montpetit Hall. The Gee-Gees finished fourth overall after three hard-fought sets against the Dalhousie Tigers in the bronze medal game.

"The event itself continues to be one of my favourite things we do," said head coach Lionel Woods at the conclusion of the tournament. "The other nine teams, within 24-48 hours basically confirmed coming next year. Our venue is ideal, the calibre of teams has always been very even."

"We were the highest finishing RSEQ team, which was awesome. We were in the conversation with three other teams that are among the top 10 to 12 teams in the country," he said.

In pool play, the Gee-Gees beat Memorial 2-0, then fell to Manitoba 2-1 on day one. On day two, the Gee-Gees beat UQAM 2-0. In their final game of the day, winning a set clinched an appearance in the bronze medal game, despite a 2-1 loss overall against McMaster.

Full tournament results and tournament all-stars are available on the tournament webpage.

"We had some fantastic matches. In our final match for instance, we had to win the first set against McMaster to guarantee a birth in the bronze medal game," Woods explained. "They did that in dominating fashion, we were able to get a lot of players in, we did what we set out to do, which was get in the top four."

Kara Hayes led the way for the Gee-Gees over the weekend, standing out with her veteran leadership and consistent performance. She was among the five players named to the tournament all-star team.

"Kara being an all-star, she was a rock. We had a lot of players in and out. She had an impact role in every match, rallying around her 'rock' mentality," Woods enthused.

"Her combined with Emily [Lenton], as a setter — this is the best performance I've seen from her over a weekend during her career as well. The two of them if their leading the way heading into league play, we'll be in a good spot."

The team will now look ahead to the home opener on October 18 against UQAM, brimming with confidence following a strong performance at the Pre-season Classic.

"We lost the bronze, we were beaten by a better team that day for sure, but we competed toe-to-toe," Woods stressed. "We left on Sunday saying we're absolutely ready for the league and a better performance this year than what we left last season with."

Tickets for the team's home opener are available now at tickets.geegees.ca.