On match point Odigie sent a powerful spike to the middle of the court that ended the match
On Nov. 25, the University of Ottawa women’s volleyball team played U SPORTS ninth-ranked Sherbrooke University. This was the last game that the women’s volleyball team will play at home until the New Year and the audience could tell how excited they were. Between the game and the free pancakes and snacks, everyone was on the edge of their seats.
The teams were a great pair and challenged each other well. The score of the game was consistently back and forth, with the Gee-Gees taking a strong lead in the first set and Sherbrooke leading for most of the third set. Although Sherbrooke was passionate, nothing could beat the cheering of the Gee-Gees.
The first set started off strong for both teams as the score flipped back and forth, usually within 3 points of each other or tied. At the start of the first set, Sherbrooke was strong and their defense proved this. During the whole game, Sherbrooke was able to fill their whole court to prevent the Gee-Gees from spiking into the backcourt. Even with this stunning defense, the Gee-Gees won the first set 25-20.
Going into the second set with confidence, the Gee-Gees spirit shined. The score of the match continued to be very close, even with the strong and tall blocking by Sherbrooke. The blockers had a solid block assist and were synchronous. They were even able to block #16, Audrey Odigie’s, vigorous spike. The Gee-Gee’s fought and were able to win the second set at a slim 26-24.
In the third set, things took a turn and Sherbrooke began to lead. Once Sherbrooke was leading 12-4, the Gee-Gees were frustrated and their defense reflected the score. The Gee-Gees were lacking on their defense in the back of the court, which Sherbrooke had its eye on. Spirits were high when the Gee-Gee’s Audrey Odigie had an amazing block, but that wasn’t enough and Sherbrooke won the third set 25-12.
In the fourth set, the Gee-Gees had the first point after an impressive rally. Sherbrooke shone again with their amazing blocks, but Gee-Gee Gracie McKale shone just as bright during her time serving as she took home two points with a powerful spike and graceful block. But, the Gee-Gees were almost too strong with their high amount of attack errors due to their spikes and after a numerous amount of long rallies, Sherbrooke won the fourth set 25-16.
In the final set, tensions were high but the Gee-Gees were determined. The Gee-Gees started with a three point lead and middle Nicole Hildebrand took the lead to 8-6 with her spike. Soon after, the score of the Gee-Gee’s was rising with the spirit of the team. The rallies of both teams were strong and the score continued to go back and forth with the rallies. But, on match point Odigie sent a powerful spike to the middle of the court that ended the match 15-11 for the Gee-Gees. Although the Ottawa team won the game proudly, both teams should be proud of their playing because they showed their talents and had the stands supporting them loudly.
Odigie, a second-year outside hitter, was recognized with a Gabriel Pizza Athlete of the Week for her efforts. The 5’11” Brampton product racked up 23 kills, a season high, which included the final point of the game. She racked up 27 points in total, which was a game high.
