ST. JOHN'S, NL - The Memorial University Sea-Hawks women's volleyball team began their 2024 season with an electrifying doubleheader against Université de Moncton, triumphing in two hard-fought games. Both games, played at the Field House in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, highlighted the Sea-Hawks' resilience, team chemistry, and determination, setting a hopeful tone for the season.
Game 1: Sea-Hawks Claim Five-Set Victory
On Friday, the Sea-Hawks faced Moncton with a new sense of purpose and energy, entering the court eager to secure their first win of the season. The match was a marathon that went the distance, ending with a thrilling 19-17 victory in the fifth set.
The first set saw Memorial establish their presence with strong serving and strategic play, Sarah Trowbridge was named player of the game, leading a remarkable defensive effort that helped Memorial secure a commanding win. Taylar Johnston, along with setter Karen Greek, orchestrated a series of attacks that kept Moncton's defense on its toes, allowing the Sea-Hawks to win the set 25-18. Johnston's precise targeting kept Moncton on their heels, creating crucial scoring opportunities for Memorial's front line.
However, Moncton regrouped in the second set, demonstrating their resilience. Led by powerful strikes from Sophie Hédou and strategic serves from Anne Paquette, Moncton took the lead early on and maintained control with aggressive net play. Despite Libero Sarah Trowbridge's relentless back-row defense, Moncton's offense overpowered the Sea-Hawks to secure the second set 25-18, leveling the match.
The third set continued with Moncton pushing hard, placing the Sea-Hawks in a tough position. Despite excellent serves from Courtney Hodder and solid kills from Hodder and Johnston, Memorial struggled to keep pace with Moncton's offensive front, ultimately losing the set 25-21. Facing a two-to-one deficit, Memorial's determination was put to the test.
In the fourth set, Memorial regained momentum with powerful plays from Johnston and Lydia Grawer, applying pressure to Moncton's defenders. With consistent assists from Greek, the Sea-Hawks pushed through to win the set 25-22, setting up a deciding fifth set. The Sea-Hawks' defense shone, with Trowbridge covering the back row and blocking Moncton's final attempts.
The fifth set was a testament to the determination of both teams. With the score neck-and-neck at 17-17, Memorial's persistence paid off. Hodder's clutch serves, paired with a game-winning kill from Olivia DeDecker, secured the Sea-Hawks their first victory in two seasons, closing the set at 19-17 and breaking the team's 40-game losing streak. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted as Memorial celebrated their hard-earned win.
Game 2: Sea-Hawks Sweep Moncton in Straight Sets
Riding the momentum from Friday night's victory, Memorial returned to the court Saturday, eager to build on their newfound success. This time, the Sea-Hawks dominated from start to finish, sweeping Moncton in straight sets with scores of 25-16, 25-22, and 25-16. Player of the game named, Taylar Johnston, whose serves challenged Moncton's reception and set the tone for an intense battle.
The opening set began with Memorial taking an assertive approach, utilizing a mix of powerful spikes from DeDecker and Johnston and precise setting from Greek. Moncton struggled to keep up with Memorial's offense, and despite some impressive attacks from Paquette and Turenne, Memorial closed out the first set 25-16.
In the second set, Moncton fought back, taking an early 5-0 lead with well-placed serves that forced Memorial to defend. However, the Sea-Hawks quickly regrouped. Hodder, Greek, and Trowbridge led Memorial's efforts, with crucial digs, assists, and kills that kept Memorial in the game. As both teams exchanged points, Memorial's patience and resilience proved decisive, narrowly edging Moncton 25-22 to extend their lead.
The final set saw Memorial confidently maintaining their momentum, with Johnston and DeDecker delivering powerful spikes that tested Moncton's defense. While Hédou and Sivret continued to challenge Memorial with effective hits, the Sea-Hawks adapted quickly, and Greek's consistent setting allowed for efficient offensive plays. A timeout from Moncton at the 15-point mark couldn't halt Memorial's progress, as they confidently closed out the set 25-16, completing the sweep.
A Weekend of Growth and a Testament to Coaching Excellence
These back-to-back victories underscored Memorial's growth, team cohesion, and adaptability. Sarah Trowbridge and Taylar Johnston, named players of the game for each night, exemplified the team's balance of defensive tenacity and offensive power. Johnston's serves and strategic plays in Game 1 played a crucial role, while Trowbridge's defensive prowess in Game 2 provided a foundation for Memorial's consistency and control.
Special thanks go to the dedicated coaching staff, led by Head Coach Sydney Purvis, who has worked tirelessly to guide the team. Assistant coaches Erin Grabka, Ryan Keats, Jill Snow, Todd Martin, and Nick Higgins were instrumental in helping the Sea-Hawks prepare for the season and in supporting the team throughout the weekend's matches. Their leadership, insight, and strategy have helped foster the team's resilience and competitiveness, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
With these victories, the Sea-Hawks have not only broken a losing streak but have also demonstrated their readiness to face future challenges. Their strong team dynamic, disciplined approach, and the effective guidance of their coaching staff signal that Memorial's women's volleyball squad is set to make an impact this season.
Story by: Udantha Chandraratne
Story photos by: Udantha Chandraratne & Loclynn Smith