An emotional weekend turned out successful in the last regular season volleyball action at the ARC.
On Jan. 30 and 31, both the Women and Men’s Varsity Volleyball teams welcomed the McMaster Marauders for a doubleheader weekend with serious playoff implications as the OUA teams jockey for position. The second game’s viewed as extra special, as graduating athletes are recognized in the annual “Seniors Night.” Each graduating athlete was presented with a framed picture or jersey and a bouquet of flowers, embraced by the coaching staff and family.
On the Women’s side, the OUA is incredibly tight with seven teams divided by just seven points, each game has major ranking complications heading into the playoffs. The Marauders heading into the match were 11-3 at the top, and the Gaels were not far behind at 9-5. The first game of the first match featured a tight back and forth affair, with the Gaels narrowly edge the victory 25-23. After the tight victory, Queen’s took control and cruised to 25-15 and 25-16 victories, respectively.
The second match had the Gaels coming back from behind and winning the first two games by a score of 26-24. The first game was highlighted by a seven-point service run by Pascale Galarneau to secure the win. The Marauders try to claw back in the third game to avoid the weekend sweep, but to no avail, as the Gaels don’t drop a set and defend home court.
To reflect on the game, season and her career, The Journal sat down with graduating outside Abigail McAlpine, ArtSci ’26. “If I could go back to experience that feeling again, it was unreal” McAlpine said, describing the feelings and emotions of the thrilling comeback in the second game. She continued to say that there was a great sense of belief in coming back because “we knew we had each other’s backs,” which ultimately helped them prevail in the game.
McAlpine was very gracious when talking about her time at Queen’s, that’s dwindling to an end. “I feel like a big thing about Queen’s is the community, it really feels like a home away from home.” Although reflective, she still sees the goal at hand, to get to a national championship. “The momentum we’ve set, I think we’re gonna end on a high.”
On the Men’s side, the Marauders have struggled coming in with a lacklustre 5-9 record going into the weekend. However, games are played for a reason and after a smooth first match that saw the Gaels sweep, the second game the Gaels were in for a shock.
The second match, the Marauders came out swinging taking the first two games 25-21 and 25-23. The Gaels however preserved winning the next two games and setting up a deciding fifth set. In the fifth set, Queen’s got out to a quick start and didn’t look back and securing the comeback.
With the win Queen’s sits in third, one point back of first place in the OUA.
Both varsity teams will travel to Toronto to take on the University of Toronto Varsity Blues for a double header on Feb. 6 and 7, where Queen’s Volleyball will be hosting an alumni event after the games.
Tags
abigail mcalpine, mcmaster marauders, OUA, Seniors Night, Women and Men’s Varsity Volleyball
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