RECAP: Gee-Gees drop matches to McGill, Sherbrooke

NOV. 8 VS. McGILL 

On a Friday night edition of RSEQ women's volleyball, the McGill Martlets (3-4) defeated the Ottawa Gee-Gees (0-6) in four sets (25-18, 25-27, 25-12, 25-20) at Montpetit Hall. 

In a rematch from their last game, the Gee-Gees were looking for some revenge after losing 3-0 to the Martlets the previous weekend in Montreal. 

The first set saw the Gee-Gees come out quickly getting an early lead. The game then settled down into a back and forth, but ultimately McGill pulled away in the latter parts of the set to secure the win.

At the start of the second set, the Martlets opened on a run, however, the Gee-Gees stormed back, responding with a balanced attack. The Gee-Gees fed off of the energy from their home crowd, leading them to a 27-25 win in the set.

The third set was all Martlets as they looked to respond after the Gee-Gees set win. In the fourth set, Ottawa fell behind again, but responded well to keep it close. Ultimately, the push was too late and the Martlets secured the 3-1 win. 

First-year Michaela Jones was outstanding throughout, the natural libero was moved outside due to injuries. Jones had multiple important kills throughout the night, none of them more impressive than a shot down the line in the final moments of the victorious second set. She followed that up with a floating ace to tie the sets at one-a-piece.

Fifth-year senior Kara Hayes was the driving force behind the offence with 13 kills from the left side. The Ottawa native has been crucial to the Gee-Gees attack in her final season. 

NOV. 10 AT SHERBROOKE

The Gee-Gees traveled to Sherbrooke on Sunday to close the weekend with a matchup against the Vert et Or (2-3). Still battling an injured lineup, the Gee-Gees fought valiantly, but ultimately lost 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-18). 

The first set saw great intensity from the Gee-Gees, executing their game plan, but ultimately falling 25-23 in a game that could have gone either way.

In the second set, the Gee-Gees kept the pressure up, losing another closely contested set 25-20, proving once again the narrow margin they find themselves losing sets by. 

Sherbrooke posted a more powerful showing in the final set, winning 25-18 to secure the victory. Despite the result, the young Ottawa squad stayed tenacious throughout showing no quit in the win.

When leaning heavily on young talent, learning curves are expected, but the Gee-Gees young talent has responded exceptionally well so far this season. The experience gained now will be essential growing opportunities as they go forward in their time in garnet and grey.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"We've played better volleyball, … it's been hard, we're trying to get out of this. Today was the next step, we've got to play the same way with the same feeling, atmosphere, and attitude, and our volleyball has got to be as good as we can get it." – Gee-Gees head coach Lionel Woods following the McGill match.

"When called upon, [the rookies] delivered. They are learning fast and quickly becoming a group that will be way ahead if the curve in terms of readiness to help us win as this season continues." – Woods on the play of the team's first-year players.

UP NEXT

The Gee-Gees will travel to Montreal on Sunday to take on the UQAM Citadins for the first time since their tight 3-2 match to start the season. The next home game for the Gee-Gees comes against Montreal on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.