The Brock women’s volleyball team defeated the Western Mustangs on Halloween night during a thrilling five-set match where they started out behind but came out on top.
The Badgers came into the game against Western with all the confidence in the world, having defeated Queens twice in their season-opening series the weekend prior. It was interesting to see how the Badgers would look at the beginning of the regular season, amid a roster change that saw the departure of all-time points leader Sadie Dick.
Head Coach Steve Delaney had his players ready. So far this season, the Badgers haven’t missed a beat, playing with the same poise as their previous championship-winning teams.
The first set saw some nice back-and-forth, with a couple of silly mistakes from both teams, Western ultimately took the set 27-25. The extended set climaxed with a pair of excellent plays by the Mustangs, putting them in front 1-0. Outside hitter Lael Harrison looked impressive in that first set, with some crucial kills that would eventually give the Mustangs an edge.
The second set brought another closely contested rock fight, where the Badgers would close it out 25-23 on the backs of Madison Tuck and Emily Foest. Both players found their footing during this set, creating plays out of seemingly nothing. The Badgers’ defence also stepped up a notch, racking up some clutch blocks. Blocking was a theme for the Badgers all night, outplaying the Mustangs on that front 10-4. Middle Emma Baruchelli led the way with 3.0 blocks, while Tuck and Mackenna Knox both had 2.0.
During the third set, the Badgers found themselves reeling late on the heels of some controversial calls from the referees. The Badgers were able to slow down Harrison; however, Emma Buntic came through and took over the game. Buntic topped the stat sheet with 18 kills . After yet another tight set, the Mustangs would take it 25-21. On the Badgers’ sideline, Delaney began to show frustration with his team not making the expected plays.
In a must-win fourth set, the Badgers would edge out the Mustangs to force a fifth and final set with a 25-22 win. Knox left her mark that set, making play after play for the Badgers down the stretch. The former all-star has been outstanding so far this season, playing with a veteran-like composure that complements her teammates perfectly. Knox, Foest and Tuck have been torching teams thus far, making their chemistry known on the court. It wasn’t just those three putting in work, as Daryan Chadwick would have a sneaky good game of her own, racking up 13 kills.
In the final set, the Badgers would take the ball and roll with it. The 15-10 score may not scream domination, but it was clear from the first whistle of the set that the Badgers were going to close it out. Foest would come through again with some timely kills, followed by M.V.P. chants from an electrified crowd in Bob Davis Gymnasium. Tuck made some stunning plays of her own, earning the player of the game award, while Brianne Whalen would have a steady game, recording six digs. The outstanding performance of the game was Knox, who collected 45 assists.
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The Badgers took care of business in the Bob Davis Gymnasium, moving to 3-0 on the season (as of Oct. 31). Brock has had their way with Western as of late, riding a six-game win streak dating back to early 2024. Although there is still room for improvement on both sides of the ball, this Badgers team looks ready to compete for a championship. Aside from any bad injury luck or Cinderella run from an opposing team, don’t be surprised if this Badgers team is featured in the Quigley Cup by year’s end.