Fanshawe Women’s Volleyball Fall 3-1 in Home Opener

(London, Ontario) – The Fanshawe Women's Volleyball team dropped their first home game of the season. On Wednesday evening at the Glenn Johnson Centre, the Falcons (0-2) lost 3-1 against the Redeemer Royals (2-1).

To open the first set, the Birds dominated the visitors, taking an early 11-1 lead. Second-year Ari Peake (London, Ontario) came out forceful and scored a quick two points for the Falcons. With Fanshawe close to a set win, Redeemer battled back, but the Birds prevailed. Setter Olivia Burberry (Dorchester, ON) would back set Fanshawe's Peake who recorded a kill to secure the set point. 

Again, the Birds began the second set with determination. The Falcons were on a roll, scoring back-to-back points on beautiful plays to achieve their 10^th and 11^th points of the set. Outside hitter Sammie Gibson (London, ON) smashed a hit down the line and out of Redeemer's reach. Ashlyn Gooder (St. Catharines, ON) followed up with a brilliant block to increase Fanshawe's lead. Redeemer took the lead back from the Birds as the set continued. Down 20-15, the Falcons found their stride, making numerous digs and hustle plays to force a Redeemer's timeout. Despite the Falcons' efforts, it was not enough, and they would drop set two 25-19.

Middle Hannah Onyema started the third set with an ace, to score her fifth point of the match for the Falcons. To hype up the crowd, outside hitter Taryn Elgersma (London, ON) split the Royals' blockers to score a dazzling point for the Birds. Later in play, Onyema recorded two more aces, but the visitors took set three 25-21.

The Royals commanded the lead early in the fourth set. Down 6-3, Fanshawe's Gibson would shift the momentum with a huge left-side kill. Shortly after, second-year Grace McLean (Dorchester, ON) ran a quick with Fanshawe's Ally Taylor (Regina, SK) to close on Redeemer's lead. First-year libero, Meghan Kormendy (Blenheim, ON) made great diving saves to keep the Birds alive. Down by four points late in the set, Fanshawe came back and tied things up at 22. In the end, the visitors took set four, ultimately taking the match.

The Falcons look to win their first match of the season as they travel to the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre on Saturday to face the Mohawk Mountaineers (2-0).