Fredericton, NB - The first place Holland Hurricanes visited the Lady Beaverbrook Gym this Saturday to face off against the Tommies, who have won four of their last five games. Coming into the match, graduating player Hailee Fleck (Steelman, SK) says the Tommie's mindset was to "find our groove and energy again" despite last night's tight matchup, and "to use playing at home to our advantage." Holland's first place status didn't scare the Tommies, who started strong, with blocks from Danica Godin (Fredericton, NB) that would help them to an 11-7 lead. The Hurricanes quickly bounced back and took the lead, pressuring the Tommies defense with their serves and net play. They would ultimately take the first set 25-17 over STU.
In the second set, the Tommies ran into some communication mix-ups, but with blocks and setting from captain Caitlin Jones (Fredericton, NB) they were able to keep it tight for the first half. A tip by Chloe Little (Rexton, NB), followed by a missed serve by Holland would give STU momentum to tighten up the second set, but the Hurricanes remained steady and held on to win 25-21.
Holland came out strong in the third set, playing just as Fleck described them: "a very strong team that can place the balls well." They took a quick 8-3 lead, and STU subbed in rookies Ryley Horton (Calgary, AB) and Julia Campbell (Sussex, NB), as well as libero Madison Ball (Truro, NS). STU improved on their passing, adapting to some missing players from their roster, which allowed them to "move some players around in different positions using our strengths to our advantage", Fleck adds.
First year player Megan Bowen (Fredericton, NB) had plenty of court time today, and says that though Holland serves well and plays tough, she thinks the team fought till the end, "we stayed focused and never gave up." Godin says they'd been preparing for Holland all week, knowing it would be a tough matchup. Holland delivered on expectations and came out on top, taking the third set by a score of 25-18, winning 3-0 over STU.
Today's match also marked the last regular season home game for the Tommies, who honoured their two graduating players, Caitlin Jones and Hailee Fleck, for their contributions on court. Fleck says it "it's hard to believe that it was my last regular season home game but I'm just so grateful for this opportunity to play the sport I love as a Tommie student athlete", adding a thank you to her coaches.
Leading the way for Holland, with 7 kills each, was Kateia Barenaba (New South Wales, AUS) and Jenna O'Neill (Cornwall, PEI). The Tommie's Abby Lanteigne (Fredericton, NB), who splits her time between Left and Right Side, led the way for her team with 6 kills. Holland is next in action Sunday, February 27th against the Chargers, while the Tommies will take on the Dal AC Rams next weekend on March 4th.
Recap – Martina Barclay
Photo – SRM Photography