ST. JOHN'S, NL- The Memorial Sea-Hawks women's volleyball team showcased incredible resilience and determination in their recent doubleheader against the Dalhousie Tigers at the Field House Stadium in St. John's, NL. After enduring a tough battle on Friday night, the Sea-Hawks bounced back with a thrilling five-set victory on Saturday, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in their upcoming away games against the Saint Mary's Huskies.
Friday's Match: A Tough Battle
On November 8, 2024, the Sea-Hawks faced a daunting challenge in the form of the Dalhousie Tigers, a team riding high on an undefeated four-match win streak. The first set saw Memorial come out strong, taking an early lead. Middle hitter #1 Courtney Hodder was pivotal, engaging in fierce net battles with Dalhousie's powerhouse, #14 Grace Calnan. Despite Hodder's powerful swings, the Tigers' defense, anchored by libero #13 Alessandra Nadalini, managed to keep the ball alive. Strategic plays from setter #4 Karen Greek and precision serving from #16 Lydia Grawer led Memorial to a 25-22 victory in the first set.
But Dalhousie quickly regrouped in the second set. Capitalizing on Memorial's reception errors, #8 Talia Vydykhan executed targeted serves that threw the Sea-Hawks off balance. The Tigers cleaned up their game, made fewer attacking errors, and secured a convincing 25-15 win, shifting the momentum in their favor.
The third set turned into a fierce tug-of-war. Memorial's #20 Taylar Johnston and Hodder delivered critical attacks, but Dalhousie's setter #2 Quinn McAleer expertly set up opportunities for hitters like Calnan and Vydykhan. Despite the Sea-Hawks' valiant efforts, the Tigers narrowly claimed the set 25-22. Dalhousie closed out Friday's match with a dominant 25-15 win in the fourth set, using their impenetrable defense to finish the game with a 3-1 victory.
Saturday's Match: A Remarkable Comeback
Determined to flip the script, the Sea-Hawks returned to the court on November 9, 2024, with a renewed sense of purpose. The opening set of the day followed a familiar script, as Dalhousie took it 25-19. However, Memorial's spirit never wavered. Grawer and Johnston made significant contributions, and it was clear that the Sea-Hawks were ready to fight.
The second set marked a turning point for Memorial. Grawer's powerful serves disrupted Dalhousie's formations, allowing Greek to set up swift middle attacks. Johnston capitalized on these plays, hammering down kills to earn the Sea-Hawks a 25-19 victory, igniting the crowd and shifting the game's energy.
The third set was a showcase of heart and hustle from both sides. The scoreline stayed tight, but Memorial's libero #5 Sarah Trowbridge anchored the defense with exceptional coverage. The Sea-Hawks emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish, winning 25-23 and showcasing their resilience and grit.
Dalhousie showed their strength in the fourth set, winning 25-22 to force a decisive fifth. Yet, the Sea-Hawks refused to be deterred. The final set was all about teamwork and determination. Hodder's dominance at the net, Grawer's strategic plays, and Greek's precise setting were on full display. The Sea-Hawks jumped to an early lead, and with Hodder making key blocks and kills, they secured a 15-9 victory, breaking Dalhousie's undefeated streak and earning a memorable win.
Looking Ahead: Facing the Saint Mary's Huskies
Buoyed by their impressive comeback, the Sea-Hawks now turn their focus to an away doubleheader against the Saint Mary's Huskies. The Huskies have been formidable this season, coming off a straight-sets win over the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues on November 10, 2024.
Memorial's matches against Saint Mary's are set for Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM, and Saturday, November 16, at 1:30 PM away from home. These games are pivotal as the Sea-Hawks aim to build on their momentum and continue climbing the league standings.
The Sea-Hawks will need to stay focused and minimize errors while leveraging their offensive strengths. Players like Hodder, Grawer, and Greek will be key in leading the charge against the Huskies' strong defense and strategic gameplay. Fans can tune in live on AUSTV to cheer on the Sea-Hawks as they strive to maintain their winning ways and keep the excitement going this season.
Go Sea-Hawks!
Story - Keeran Mercer, Udantha Chandraratne
Photos - Udantha Chandraratne