Excalibur Weekend Wrap-up (Nov 26-28): Excalibur volleyball give strong effort in final matchup of 2021
The Trent Excalibur volleyball teams wrapped up their final games of the calendar year against the Toronto Varsity Blues at the Trent Athletics Centre over the weekend.
The Excalibur women's team got the weekend festivities underway, hosting the opening match in front of a full crowd at the Athletics Centre on Friday. The team battled hard for each point, showing strong defensive play. Starters Taya Knier and Genna Saunders led the way with four kills apiece, while Natalie Fournier led a solid showing defensively. It was not enough on Friday as the Excalibur lose 3-0 to the Varsity Blues (12-25, 15-25, 13-25).
The men's team was on the court next at the Trent Athletics Centre and they continued the hard-hitting action. Dropping the first set, the men's team battled back within reach against the Varsity Blues, holding the lead with solid play from Ryan Austin, before dropping the contest 3-0 (11-25, 21-25, 20-25).
On Sunday, the teams returned for the rematch games at the Trent Athletics Centre. In the second set, the women's team got up into an early lead against the visiting Varsity Blues while playing solid defence. It was a 3-0 loss (17-25, 17-25, 15-25) to the No. 3 U Sports ranked Varsity Blues but the Excalibur continue to gain experience as a team and will return to action in the new year.
Closing out the weekend's action, the Excalibur men's team held leads throughout the match on Sunday afternoon, showing off their offensive talents, including a five-point lead in the third set. It was a hard-fought match for the Excalibur, losing the 3-0 (12-25, 20-25, 22-25).
The Excalibur volleyball teams will resume their OUA season on January 15 when they visit the Ryerson Rams.
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