Risky business

The Gaels took home two hard-fought wins this weekend, but their play left much to be desired.

Queen’s pulled out consecutive five-set victories against the Brock Badgers and Waterloo Warriors. Still, head coach Joely Christian-Macfarlane said that the team’s performance was underwhelming.

“We aren’t playing very crisp and we aren’t taking care of the fundamentals,” she said. “It’s hurting us in terms of our execution.”

The Gaels had to fight back to win three straight sets to best the Badgers, winning 15-13 in the final frame.

The Gaels had a stronger opening against Waterloo, winning two of the first three sets. They were unable to close the game out in four sets, forcing them into another best-of-15 points fifth set.

A first-set collapse saw the Gaels lose a 23-21 lead, prior to surrendering a 18-10 fourth-set advantage. Again they rebounded to claim the fifth set, winning 15-8.

Christian-Macfarlane said consistency and desire to compete were missing from the Gaels’ game.

“Just competing from start to finish and not just stepping on the court and playing,” she said. “There needs to be a want to take it to the other team.”

Outside hitter Colleen Ogilvie led the Gaels with 38 kills over the weekend, while Kelsey Bishop and Katie Neville chipped in offensively. The three veterans were often key in turning things around, but they also combined for 41 total errors over the two games.

The wins put the Gaels at 9-2 at third place in the OUA. They’ll face the Western Mustangs (7-4) next Saturday on the road.