The Brock Badgers hosted the University of Waterloo Warriors in a regular season clash that saw the Badgers handle business, sweeping away the visitors in game one of a two-game set.
After a disappointing loss to the Western Mustangs in the week prior, Head Coach Steve Delaney wasn’t messing around when entering the weekend set against Waterloo. It was interesting to see how Delaney would coach this contest, considering his history of rolling out different lineups midway through games. After all, the Badgers have had their way with the Warriors for the better part of the last 15 years — including an impressive 9-1 record in their last 10 games.
Right out of the gate, it was clear that Brock wasn’t messing around. Emily Foest came out with guns blazing, opening the match with some swings that set the tone for the remainder of the game. The Badger outside hitter has put together an all-star worthy season so far, with some electric play that has turned heads around the league.
Outside hitter Daryan Chadwick, and middle Charlotte Ross, both got in on the action as well, with some huge blocks that propelled the Badgers ahead early. That would be the theme for the Badgers all night, as their presence on the blocks was felt throughout the entire match. It was smooth sailing from there, as Brock took the set 25-8. Setter Mackenna Knox had her own moment, with a resounding kill that sent the Badgers’ bench into a frenzy. As for Waterloo, they were out of sorts, having trouble connecting with their hitters for most of the set.
The second set saw a bit more energy from the Warriors, keeping Brock at bay for a short period. This was until Ross and right-side Madison Tuck brought their team back to life with back-to-back kills, much to the pleasure of Delaney. It was Ross yet again who made her presence felt on both sides, starting with some stellar blocking that would continue for the remainder of the set. It would be her back-to-back kills that would bring the Bob Davis Gymnasium crowd to their feet as the middle was playing out of her mind. Despite the stellar individual play, both teams looked sloppy at times. There was some poor serve receiving mixed with lacklustre hitting, which both coaches were visibly displeased with. Brock held on to a small lead midway through the set.
After a Badger timeout, Tuck came out with a critical block followed by a kill that would extend their lead. Brock would take the second set 25-16 after a much-needed run that catapulted them ahead.
Before the start of the third, Delaney talked to his team in the huddle, relaying the importance of a strong start to the set. “Be prepared to fight the whole set […] the first five, six points are the most important,” he said.
The start of the set didn’t go the way Delaney had hoped, as Brock would concede the first two points after some costly mistakes. The Badgers would punch right back with two kills of their own from Elvira Piriyeva and Kara Rakamnuaykit, two players who checked in off the bench. The third set brought some exciting plays from the Badgers, including a scrappy point from Eve Entwistle that came out of seemingly nothing. The Warriors didn’t go out without a fight, keeping the score close throughout.
Midway through, Foest would serve back-to-back aces that would drive the Badgers ahead. Some huge swings from Rakamnuaykit followed, who was making the most out of her playing time, bringing contagious energy onto the court.
Fast forward to the closing moments of the set, and the Warriors were right there, looking to extend the match to a fourth set. Delaney would call a timeout when Brock held just a two-point lead (21-19), “we’re getting a little loose […] we have to be aggressive on the serve receive.”
After Waterloo cut the lead to 22-21, Piriyeva came up with a massive block that got a proud fist pump out of her coach, who was looking on anxiously from the sideline. Minutes later, Avery Duncan would seal the game with a tool, as the Badgers would sweep away the Warriors with an impressive win in St. Catharines.
Standouts from the game included Ross, who dominated around the net, tallying six kills and 2.0 blocks on the night. The second-year middle is making a case for her first all-star selection after multiple high-level performances so far this season.
It was another day in the office for Foest, who led the way with 10 total points. The Fonthill native had herself a night serving the ball, totalling five aces, dicing up the Warriors. Foest is in her fifth year and looking to lead this Badger team to another Quigley Cup appearance.
Tuck had a solid game of her own, with a handful of kills along with a pair of aces and blocks. So far this season, Tuck has stepped up in the absence of the all-time points leader, Sadie Dick. The right side is quietly putting together her best season as a Badger.
Both Piriyeva and Rakamnuaykit had outstanding games off the bench, combining for some clutch plays down the stretch. Piriyeva finished with two blocks while Rakamnuaykit had four kills.
Finally, Knox led the game with 21 assists, and the Badgers with seven digs. Brianne Whalen also stepped up with five digs of her own.
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This Badger team is not playing around. With a deadly starting lineup and some depth down the bench, it’s no surprise they’ve had such a great start to the season. Brock swept the Warriors again the next day, improving their record to 5-1.