The Brock Badgers continued their early season surge with a dominant weekend against the Trent Excalibur, securing consecutive straight set victories that propelled them to No. 6 in the national rankings.
Now 7-1, the Badgers have positioned themselves as one of the most disciplined and balanced teams in OUA, showing both depth in scoring and composure under pressure.
Their opening match on Friday in Peterborough set the tone for what became one of Brock’s most complete weekends of play. The Badgers controlled the match from the first serve, sweeping Trent 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-21) behind a standout performance from outside hitter Emily Foest. Foest led all players with 14 kills and 15 total points, providing a steady offensive anchor throughout the night. Setter Mackenna Knox directed the floor with confidence, recording 22 assists while adding two kills and a service ace for three points. Her distribution allowed Brock’s attack to remain unpredictable and efficient.
Statistically, Brock’s dominance was clear. The team registered just 11 errors compared to Trent’s 25, a gap that reflected both the Badgers’ clean execution and their ability to force mistakes on the other side of the net. Brock hit at a .296 percentage, nearly flawless by OUA standards, while holding the Excalibur to an uncharacteristic -.060, credit to the Badgers’ organized defence and pressure at the net. Contributions from players like Daryan Chadwick, who collected six points with five kills, further demonstrated the roster’s depth.
If Friday’s matches showed Brock’s steadiness, Saturday’s rematch highlighted their adaptability. Returning to the court on Nov. 15, the Badgers once again swept Trent (25-14, 25-14, 27-25), but this time with a different offensive leader. Third year outside hitter Chadwick delivered the most complete performance of her season, tallying a career high of 17 points, 12 kills, two aces and three blocks, while also recording a game high of six digs. Her versatility allowed Brock to maintain control even as Trent tightened their coverage and increased their intensity in the third set.
Kara Rakamnuaykit also played a crucial role, adding eight points on seven kills, the second highest total for Brock. The Badgers’ net presence was one of the major turning points of the match, as they out-blocked Trent 13-4. This advantage repeatedly disrupted the Excalibur’s rhythm and forced them into low percentage swings. Brock’s ability to shift focal points within their offence while maintaining structural consistency speaks to the team’s growing cohesion and confidence.
With the sweep secured and their national ranking climbing, the Badgers now enter their bye week in a strong position. The break arrives at an ideal time, offering the team a chance to recover before heading into a demanding stretch of OUA competition. Brock returns to action with a road doubleheader against the McMaster Marauders in Hamilton, with the first match scheduled for Nov. 28 at 6 p.m., followed by a second meeting on Nov. 29 at 4 p.m.
Through eight games, the Badgers have shown they can win with power, precision or composure, depending on what the moment requires. Their performance against Trent reinforced that identity and hinted that their rise in the standings may only be beginning.