KINGSTON, Ont. (February 3, 2013) – The Queen's Gaels men's volleyball team (10-6) was in action Sunday afternoon against the No. 2 McMaster Marauders (17-0) at the ARC Main Gym, in a match that saw the Gaels go up 1-0 only to end up losing three straight sets to close the match out 3-1 (25-23,14-25,19-25,22-25).
 
Before the game the two graduating members of the team, Jackson Dakin (Courtenay, B.C.) and Wesley Chen, were honoured by head coach Brenda Willis and manager of interuniversity sport program Janean Sergeant. Wesley Chen has been the team's technical assistant for several seasons, and plays an important role in the technical aspects of the team, such as: recording games, keeping statistics and following game trends.
 
“Although he wasn't blessed with a body for volleyball, there is no questioning Wesley's love and knowledge of volleyball. Wesley can always be found with a laptop, camera and smile on his face and he is an asset to our team. He has great interpersonal skills, and is currently finishing up his honours in Kinesiology with the hopes of pursuing medicine.” Coach Willis said of her talented technical assistant.
 
Fifth-year setter Jackson Dakin (Courtenay, B.C.) is the Gaels leader, quarterbacking their offense and providing an important defensive presence—demonstrating poise and determination both on and off the court. Dakin currently leads the team in digs and assists, with 101 and 407 respectively.
 
Coach Willis had the following to say of her star setter. “Your team is only as good as your setter, and Jackson Dakin is one of the greatest setters in this league. He has captained our team for the past five years, with his quirky nature and high spirits making him a pleasure to coach. Jackson has been instrumental in quarterbacking our team to where we are this season, and in our OUA and CIS runs last season. Jackson Dakin has played in over 325 games, recorded 100 blocks and over 2000 assists.”
 
The Gaels had added motivation heading into the first set, playing as underdogs to the No. 2 McMaster Marauders and having the added energy of the honouring of graduating teammates before the game. Queen's wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Mike Tomlinson (Stratford, Ont.) and Philippe Goyer (Ottawa) each recording two kills to help put the Gaels up 10-8 midway through the first. The Marauders and Gaels exchanged points until late in the set, when Goyer was able to close things out with his fourth kill of the set.
 
Unfortunately for Queen's, McMaster was able to find their offensive productivity in the second set with Dany Demyanenko Jimenez (Toronto) recording six kills. The Gaels set-high 11 attacking errors in the second, also gave the Marauders an opportunity to claim an easy game, 25-14.
 
McMaster's offense picked up where it left off after the second set, starting off on a 6-2 run led by Jimenez. Queen's was able to close the gap with a strong set from Scott Brunet (Calgary) who recorded three kills. It was not enough however as Gaels errors and continued dominance from Jimenez gave the Marauders a 25-19 set victory.
 
The Gaels showed desperation in the fourth set, playing with an increased tempo especially nearing the final points of the set. Queen's was able to pull within two points with strong play from Domino's “Dominator of the Game” Stephen Holmes (Ancaster, Ont.) who recorded four kills in the final frame. It was not enough however as the Gaels were defeated 25-22 in the set, closing out a 3-1 match.
 
The Queen's Gaels men's volleyball team returns to action next weekend when they hit the road to visit the Toronto Varsity Blues and Ryerson Rams. The Gaels currently sit fourth in the OUA, with Ryerson in sixth and Toronto in seventh. Queen's starts the trip Saturday in Toronto, where they visit the Varsity Blues at the University of Toronto Athletic Centre. Game time is set for 1pm. Queen's has 4th in the OUA East locked up as they hold tie-break scenarios with the York Lions, the team will be hosting a home playoff game.