The playoff picture is starting to come into focus for the Brock women's volleyball team. The Badgers can help their chances in a tight race with Western and McMaster for second place in the OUA West division when they host the skidding Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday, Jan. 18.
TIME: 6 p.m. LOCATION: Bob Davis Gymnasium
ABOUT THE BADGERS (6-5): Last week, Brock returned to the court for the first time since the holiday break and lost to Western 3-1, however they rallied in back the next day against Windsor 3-2. "We're in a situation where every match is a must-win game. We need to continue where we left off from the weekend," said head coach Steve Delaney. "We performed in that fifth set against Windsor. We didn't have any meaningful competition over the break. We started off slow against Western." Lakehead may not have a winning record, but the Badgers have lost to the Thunderwolves in their last three meetings: a pre-season tournament match and two games last season. "They've had our number the last few times," said Delaney. "So we need to play well against them to build some momentum going into our road game against McMaster on Sunday, but it's got to be one-game at a time." When the Badgers serve in at 90 per cent or above, they win, but Delaney is hoping to raise their overall hitting percentage above .200. "If we can also pass above two then those are going to be keys to success," he said. "We also do well when we have 10 or more blocks a match. Those are key performance indicators for us."
ABOUT THE THUNDERWOLVES (1-6): Lakehead returns to the court for the first time with a three-game weekend beginning in St. Catharines before traveling to Windsor. "We have had a productive break," Craig Barclay told thunderwolves.ca. "And lots of time to prepare for our first matches. Three-game weekends always pose a challenge, but we are excited to play two good teams in Brock and Windsor." The last time Lakehead competed was on Nov. 17, and are currently on a six-game losing streak. Brock outside hitter Laura Condotta leads the OUA with 4.15 kills per set, however Lakehead left side hitter Rheanna Geisel is right behind her with 4.14. Their libero, Ciara Zarn, is second with 4.64 digs per set and middle Meghan Routier leads the OUA with 0.68 service aces per set.
Get tickets at brocku.universitytickets.com
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Friday, Jan. 18
HOME
Women's Volleyball vs. Lakehead (Bob Davis Gymnasium), 6 p.m.
Brock Invitational Bonspiel (St. Catharines Golf & CC), 9 p.m. Full Schedule
AWAY
Swimming at Toronto Grand Prix (U of T Varsity Pool), 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 19
HOME
Brock Invitational Bonspiel (St. Catharines Golf & CC), 8 a.m.
Men's Hockey vs. Toronto (Seymour-Hannah Arena), 7:15 p.m.
AWAY
Swimming at Toronto Grand Prix (U of T Varsity Pool)
Women's Hockey at Waterloo (CIF Arena), 2 p.m.
Track & Field at Don Wright Meet (Thompson Arena, London)
Men's Basketball at Windsor, 4 p.m.
Swimming at Toronto Winter Invitational (U of T Varsity Pool), 6 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 20
HOME
Brock Invitational Bonspiel (St. Catharines Golf & CC), 8 a.m.
AWAY
Swimming at Toronto Winter Invitational (U of T Varsity Pool)
Wrestling at Guelph Open (Gryphons Athletic Centre)
Women's Volleyball at McMaster (Burridge Gym, McMaster), 1 p.m.
Men's Volleyball at McMaster (Burridge Gym, McMaster), 3 p.m.
