Lords use match against Syracuse Orange as learning experience
Lords use match against Syracuse Orange as learning experience
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – When the opportunity to play NCAA Division 1 school Syracuse University arose, Durham College women's volleyball head coach
Tony Clarke knew it would be a valuable experience for his program.
"This means a lot for each of our players and for the volleyball program at Durham," said Clarke. "Our goal going into the match was to work on aspects of our game, while learning from such a well-respected program and school. With their season just around the corner they were in regular season mode, but I felt we held our own considering we haven't held training camp yet."
In the opening set the Lords were neck-and-neck with the Orange, leading 21-20 late in the first. Unfortunately Syracuse found a way to take the lead back and win the set 27-25.
Syracuse took over in the second, showing their "in-season" form, as they won 25-9.
Durham had a better third set, but the Orange continued to roll as they used their outside power to take the set 25-12 and match 3-0.
"Our team hasn't played together yet, which was noticeable at times throughout the match, but overall I'm proud of how we competed today," said Clarke. "We definitely showed a lot of positives and expect to build on those heading into the season."
Allison Marshall (Orillia, Ont.) led the Lords offence with six kills, while Madeleine Elit (Kingston, Ont.) added five. The offence was mostly run through
Camille Lefaive (Whitby, Ont.) who finished the match with 15 assists.
Elit also led Durham with five digs. Shannon Dean (Whitby, Ont.) had the team's two service aces, alongside three kills.
For Syracuse, Mackenzie Weaver led the Orange's offence with nine kills and three service aces. Kendra Lukacs and Polina Prokudina each added six kills.