RECAP: Gee-Gees power to statement win over #4 McGill to close first semester

On Friday in Montreal, the Gee-Gees women's volleyball team powered to a 3-0 win against the nationally fourth-ranked McGill Martlets in their final match of the first semester. 

Turning the tables on a 3-0 loss to McGill two weeks prior, Ottawa played their best match of the season thus far in deftly defeating the Martlets in straight sets to earn their third regular season win.

The early goings of the first set were evenly balanced as both squads traded points, working to a tie 5 times before the Gee-Gees began to pull away. Taking the set from 13-13 to 19-14, the Gee-Gees seized control and momentum heading into the crucial final stage of the set. Despite McGill fighting back late, Ottawa held on to win 25-23 and take a 1-0 lead.

In the second, it was a dominant performance for the Gee-Gees, led by Grace McKale and Denae Bristow, Ottawa flew out to an early lead. Up 7-4, the Gee-Gees then reeled off six straight points, including two Bristow aces en route to a 13-4 lead and a McGill timeout. Though the Martlets responded well to climb back, Ottawa showed their strength and dominated for seven of the final 10 points of the set to win 25-18.

With the chance for a clean sweep on the line, the Gee-Gees received resistance from their hosts to start the third. Jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead, McGill seemed determined to keep Ottawa at bay and extend the match. Responding immediately, the Gee-Gees tied the match at seven, before taking narrow control through the middle of the set. McGill ripped off a three-point run to make it 19-18, shortly after erasing the Ottawa lead and pulling ahead 22-20. After an Ottawa timeout, the Gee-Gees regrouped and delivered an outstanding five consecutive points with two McKale kills to secure the 25-22 set win and 3-0 match victory.

"The performance tonight is a culmination of the improvement and momentum that our kids have gained this semester," said Gee-Gees head coach Lionel Woods.

"If you look at our match results, you can see how close this team has been to turning the corner on a number of sets and matches. 14 of the 24 sets we've played so far, have been won or lost by two points. That is the only way you become 'older' and develop the mindset required to win in this conference. Step one, get in the battle, step two, find a way to win."

Heading into the exam and holiday break, the team will have a chance to rest and come back ready to build on the win in the New Year.

The team's next match will come in over a month's time at Montpetit Hall against Sherbrooke on Jan. 13. Sitting just one win behind Sherbrooke and Laval in the standings, it will be a meaningful return to action to start the winter semester.

Tickets for all Gee-Gees home games in the New Year are available on tickets.geegees.ca