Gaels defeat Gryphons 3-1 on home court

The Queen's Gaels defeated the Guelph Gryphons 3-1 at home on Friday night to start the new year off strong. The Gaels were led on offense by third year middle Lauren MacPhail (Arts & Science), with a career high of 10 kills, 4 service aces, and 3 solo blocks. Setter Kennedy Millin (Education) supported the offense with 34 assists and an outstanding 6 kills, making strategic offensive plays as a setter. Outside hitter Abigail McAlpine (Arts & Science) led the team in kills with 11, as well as supporting defensively with 10 digs. Libero Holly Biasi (Arts & Science) held strong defensively by leading the team with 14 digs. MacPhail was interviewed post-game and when asked about the team's performance tonight said, "we put our all into it... I think it was a great team effort from everybody." 

Guelph found the early lead as the Gaels struggled to settle into the game. Queen's called an early timeout as Guelph held a 6-2 lead in the first set. Coming off the break, MacPhail stumped the Gryphons with back-to-back service aces, lighting up the home crowd. Despite this glimpse of offensive momentum, Guelph went on a 5-point tear, distancing themselves 12-6. Queen's used their second timeout in an attempt to regroup and came back with a huge kill from McAlpine. Despite the Gaels' offensive push late in the set, the Gryphons took the first set 25-19. 

The second set was closely matched, with the teams matching each other point for point on the scoreboard up to 9-9, when the Gryphons started to find a small lead. The Gaels demonstrated resilience and composure, fighting their way to tie the game back up at 16-16. Outside hitter Pascale Galarneau (Health Sciences) came through with back-to-back service aces, earning Queen's a slight 18-16 lead after a 6-point run. Queen's reached set point off a service ace from Claire Carter (Business), leading 24-19, and took the set 25-20. 

The Gaels appeared to find their groove, as they carried their momentum from the second set into the third. Millin made their fourth kill of the game and as well as a service ace in the third set, contributing to the offense in a big way. Setter Millin and middles MacPhail and Abu were connecting well at the net to put up quick kills that took the Guelph defense by surprise. The Gaels reached set point, 24-18, off a huge block at the net from Christine Abu (Arts & Science) and McAlpine, ultimately taking the third set 25-18.  

The Gaels were off to a strong start in the fourth set, only needing one more set to take the match. Queen's earned the first four points, forcing an early Guelph timeout. MacPhail continued to be potent on the service line, picking up their fourth service ace of the night. The Gaels were connecting well, finding a confident 12-5 lead after kills from Abu and McAlpine. Queen's carried this lead through to the end of the final set, ending on a kill from Carter.  

Up next, the Gaels will rematch against the Gryphons tomorrow afternoon at 4pm in the ARC. Queen's improves their record to 6-5 and will seek to extend their win streak to three after tomorrow's game.