St. John's, NL – January 22, 2025 – The Memorial Sea-Hawks women's volleyball team is gearing up for their final home games of the regular season as they prepare to take on the Acadia Axewomen in a crucial two-game series at The Field House this weekend. With Memorial sitting at 8-6 and holding third place in the AUS standings, these matches will be key in solidifying their playoff position as they aim to make a deep postseason run.
Weekend Recap: Strong Road Performance Against Moncton
Memorial is coming off a successful road trip to Moncton, where they secured back-to-back wins over the Aigles Bleues. In Game 1, the Sea-Hawks showcased their resilience with a 3-1 victory (25-18, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22), led by standout performances from Courtney Hodder (15 kills, 14 digs) and Lydia Grawer (14 kills, 16 digs). Setter Karen Greek played a pivotal role, orchestrating the offense with 38 assists while also contributing 11 digs.
In Game 2, the Sea-Hawks dominated early, claiming the first two sets with commanding scores of 25-10 and 25-12. Despite a third-set stumble (12-25), they regrouped in the fourth to seal the match (25-14) and complete the weekend sweep. Grawer delivered a well-rounded performance with 10 kills and six service aces, while Hodder and Taylar Johnston each contributed key points in crucial moments.
These victories demonstrated Memorial's growing confidence and ability to adjust mid-match, attributes that will be essential as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Rivalry Renewed: A Look at Acadia
Acadia enters the weekend at 6-8 and in a battle for playoff positioning. Earlier this season, Memorial split a two-game series against the Axewomen on the road. In the first matchup, Acadia edged out a five-set thriller (23-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 15-11), but the Sea-Hawks responded in Game 2 with a clutch five-set victory (25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-13).
Acadia's attack is spearheaded by outside hitter Alexia Lemay-Evans, who leads the team in kills and provides a strong net presence. Memorial's defense, anchored by Hodder and libero Sarah Trowbridge, will need to be sharp to contain Acadia's offensive threats. Additionally, the battle at the net will be a key factor, with blockers like Ashlynn Harris and Taylar Johnston looking to neutralize Acadia's front-row offense.
Senior Night and Fan Appreciation Weekend
With this being the final home stand of the season, the Sea-Hawks will also be celebrating Senior Night, honoring the contributions of their graduating players. These seniors have been instrumental in the team's success over the years, bringing leadership, dedication, and a relentless work ethic to the program. Fans are encouraged to pack The Field House and show their appreciation as these athletes play their final home games in a Sea-Hawks uniform.
Beyond the action on the court, this weekend will also serve as a Fan Appreciation event, with giveaways and opportunities for fans to engage with the team. The energy from the crowd will be a crucial factor in giving Memorial the extra edge needed to secure these important wins.
What's at Stake
With Memorial currently in third place in the AUS standings, every game from this point forward carries significant playoff implications. A strong performance this weekend could further cement their postseason position and set the tone for a strong finish. The Sea-Hawks have been gaining momentum at the right time, and with their confidence growing, they are eager to make a statement in these final home games.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Sydney Rohm, the Sea-Hawks have continued to develop their competitive edge, focusing on disciplined play, strategic adjustments, and a team-first mentality. Coach Rohm's emphasis on resilience and preparation has played a vital role in Memorial's strong performances this season, and the team will look to execute her game plan effectively in these pivotal matchups.
Game Details:
Friday, January 31, 2025 – 7:00 PM NST vs. Acadia
Saturday, February 1, 2025 – 12:00 PM NST vs. Acadia (Senior Night)
The Field House, Memorial University
Tickets available at the door
The Sea-Hawks have proven they can compete with the best in the conference, and with the home crowd behind them, they will look to close out their regular season in dominant fashion. Don't miss the chance to witness the action and be part of what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of volleyball !
Story and Photos - Udantha Chandraratne @ucephoto