MONTREAL – Melanie Dormann delivered a career-best 20 points to lead an inspired McGill women's volleyball squad to a 3-1 road victory over the UQAM Citadins, Saturday, to force a rubber match in the RSEQ best-of-three semifinals.

The Martlets, who dropped Thursday's opener 3-2 at home, willed their way to a heart-thumping conquest that featured set scores of 33-31, 23-25, 25-18 and 25-21.

Dormann, a 5-foot-11 power-hitter from Ottawa, scored her points on the strength of a team-high 19 kills and two assisted stuff blocks. The 20-year-old science junior who entered the game with a previous single-game high of seven points, also registered a personal best 22 digs and one assist.

"She played an outstanding game, both offensively and defensively, and even on serve receive," said a relieved McGill head coach Rachele Beliveau. "She's been practicing really well over the last two weeks. In the first game of the series, she looked good when she came into the game later on, so we decided to start her today and she performed very well."

Dormann was one of three Martlets to reach double digits in scoring, with Charlene Robitaille (18.5 points) of St. Jean, Que., and Victoria Iannotti (14) of St. Laurent, Que., while Clara Poire of Blainville, Que., contributed 9.5 points.

Audrey Trottier, a third-year setter from Longueuil, Que., was credited with a career-high 45 assists and a dozen digs.

Beliveau also singled out sophomore Olivia Krishnan, a defensive specialist from Niagara, Ont., who came of the bench and looked played a key role.

"Her presence on the court brings something special. Every time she stepped  in, she had a positive impact. In the series opener, she kept making key plays to bring us back into the game. And today, she helped us maintain the lead more often."

The Citadins, who had five players reach double digits in the series opener, were limited to just two this time around. Gabrielle Archambault scored 23 points, while Sabrina Mayer had 20.5.

The teams were fairly even in most of the major statistical categories. McGill had a 10-5 advantage in blocks, while UQAM led 60-58 in kills. The game featured many long rallies and both team registered a whopping 105 digs each. each had four aces and the Martlets had a slight 57-56 margin in assists.

The series now shifts back to Love Competition Hall for the deciding game on Sunday (Feb. 6) at 3 p.m. It will mark the third game in as many days, a first for both teams in this highly unusual season.

"Everyone will be tired, so I think that the team with the most character will win," predicted Beliveau. "It will come down to who wants it more."

BOXSCORE

RSEQ STATS & STANDINGS

SOURCE:

Earl Zukerman
Sports Information Officer
McGill Athletics & Recreation
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca
514-398-7012