Following their most historic season in program history, women's volleyball is ready for a big OUA quarter-final battle against York on Saturday night (6pm) with a berth to the Final Four on the line.
If the Warriors can come away victorious the black and gold will not only play for the top OUA prize but will host the top four teams in the province on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9. It will be Waterloo's first trip to the Final Four since 2008 when Toronto hosted it.
"It is neat to have the opportunity to potentially host the Final Four," said head coach Richard Eddy, "but for now all of our attention is on preparing to be our best for our quarter-final matchup."
That type of mentality is what has led the Warriors to an incredible 17-2 record, tied with Ryerson for the best record in the OUA and has set the stage for a run at Nationals.
"Our goals will not change for this match. We want to do what we do best in the game's biggest moments. I believe if the team can stay focused on the match at hand, then we will put ourselves in a position to succeed and move forward in the playoffs."
As the top seed in the West, Waterloo takes on the fourth ranked York Lions from the east in Saturday's quarter-final battle. The two met once this season back on January 26 with the Warriors coming away with the straight sets (18, 20, 20) victory. Waterloo used their big outside hitters Claire Mackenzie (Vancouver/) and Sarah Glynn (Fredericton/) very effectively in that win while their passing efficiency and defence were on the mark.
The Warriors will rely heavily on fifth year outside hitter Claire Mackenzie (Vancouver/) and rookie outside hitter Sarah Glynn (Fredericton/) to power the Warriors to victory after outstanding seasons with the black and gold. Mackenzie led the way with 236 kills in 70 sets while Glynn was just two back with 234 kills in the same amount of sets.
Up the middle Samantha Warner (Ayr/) and Ella Stewart (Ottawa/) will see plenty of court time after stellar net play from the two middles this season. Warner finished with 42 blocks and had 110 kills while Stewart totaled 47 blocks and 96 kills.
Defensively Sarah Remedios (Ajax/), who led the way this season with 254 digs and Brooklyn Gallant (Cambridge/) (196 digs), will play a key role in Waterloo's passing game while setter Claire Gagne (Cambridge/) will set up the attack after a strong season finishing with 594 assists on the season, the fifth most among OUA setters.
"Our mindset is to expect our opponent's best effort, and to take care of our side of the net. They're a well-coached athletic team and it will take a full-team effort to come away with the win."
Waterloo's quarter-final battle goes at 6pm and tickets are selling quick. Purchase tickets online today.
