QUEBEC CITY --
Marie-Eve Dorion of St. Hubert, Que., led a strong defensive effort as the No.10-ranked McGill Martlets swept Laval 25-21, 25-17, and 25-20 in a convincing win in RSEQ women's volleyball at Centre PEPS on Sunday.
It marked the team's first ever sweep in Quebec City against perennial favourites. McGill has claimed all three matches against their provincial rivals this season, rebounding nicely after the Rouge et Or knocked the Martlets from playoff contention last February.
Dorion, a third-year physical education student, recorded a game-high 17 digs along with 10 points, on nine kills and an ace. Teammate
Yasmeen Dawoodjee, the fifth-year setter from Ottawa, posted 31 assists, 13 digs and two kills.
"Yasmeen did a very good job distributing the ball in relation to the strengths and weaknesses of Laval," said head coach
Rachele Beliveau of her team captain. "Because our passing was really good, we were able to be more productive at the net."
The Martlets held a narrow two-point lead at the technical time-out of the third set as Laval pushed to extend, but scored eight of the final 11 points to secure the historic sweep.
Erika Cournoyer of Longueuil, Que., contributed 7.5 points (five kills, 2.5 blocks) with two digs for McGill and
Catherine Amyot collected 11 kills, a trio of aces, and 10 digs. Power-hitter
Emilie Matte de Grasse of Montreal added eight kills and five digs, while and
Marjolaine Ste-Marie, a 5-foot-5 libero, had 13 digs.
Laval's offence was led by
Alice Cloutier, who counted 11 kills and an assisted block for 11.5 points, while
Rachel Trottier had 12 digs.
McGill held a 65-40 advantage in digs and a 41-33 margin in kills, along with a 4-2 edge in both stuff blocks and service aces.
The Martlets improved to 12-5 in RSEQ play, tying Sherbrooke (12-5) for second place in the five-team conference behind Montreal (15-3). McGill, which owns an overall record of 27-9, plays next against the division-leading Carabins on Jan. 29 at Centre CEPSUM. The Carabins have won all three meetings this season, by scores of 3-2, 3-2, and 3-0.
Laval dropped to 7-10 to remain in the fourth and final playoff berth. They will host Montreal on Jan. 30.
FOR FURTHER INFO CONTACT:
Kirsten Whelan or
Earl ZukermanMcGill Sports Info Office
(514) 398-7012
