The York University Lions women's volleyball team welcomed the RMC Paladins to the Tait McKenzie Centre on Friday night for its first home match of the 2026–27 season. Coming off a split of their first two matches against the Guelph Gryphons, the Lions were looking to return from their bye week on a high note and make a strong first impression in front of their supporters.
York set the tone in the opening set, recording 15 kills while holding the Paladins to just seven. The Lions' attacking efficiency helped them create separation as the set progressed, with their offence finding ways through RMC's defence. York continued to build on its advantage and eventually closed out the first set 25–16, taking the 1-0 lead.
The second set saw York continue to take it to the Paladins, jumping out to a 15-4 advantage and continuing to find success at the net, with. The Lions recorded another 16 kills in the frame, matching their first-set total and keeping pressure on the Paladins' defence. Despite RMC's late-set rally, which saw them cut the Lions lead to one at 20-19,, York scored the next five points – including a pair of kills from Julia Typa, the final being the set winner – to secure a 25–19 win and move one set away from completing the sweep.
With the match on the line, York carried its momentum into the third set. The Lions once again registered 16 kills, keeping their attack consistent as they looked to finish the night in straight sets. RMC was unable to slow down York's offence, as the Lions jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the third and were up by as many as seven at 22-15. The Lions closed out the night with three straight kills, the first two from Kianna Drewniak and the match clincher from Typa, as the Lions downed the Paladins 25-17 in the third to take the match in three and move to 2-1 on the season.
Across the three sets, York's offence proved to be a major difference-maker. The Lions finished with 47 kills on 93 attacks, recording an impressive .366 hitting percentage. Victoria Herrington led the Lions offensively with 11 kills, while also contributing 11 digs. Typa followed with nine kills and made her presence felt defensively at the net, recording four total blocks. Meanwhile, Madison McRae added eight kills for York, while Alexis Miller contributed seven kills on an efficient .500 hitting percentage, along with three total blocks and two service aces.
Veteran setter Brooke Davis, making her Lions home debut, helped keep York's offence moving throughout the match, finishing with 32 assists and nine digs. She also added two service aces, contributing to a team total of 10. The Lions finished with 46 assists and 48 digs, demonstrating their ability to contribute on both sides of the ball.
Following the victory, York's Quinn McTavish spoke about the excitement of opening the home schedule in front of the Lions' supporters.
"Yeah, I think it's super exciting to be able to play at home, especially with this crowd," McTavish said. "It's not often that we get this."
McTavish also reflected on the work the team put in during the preseason and the opportunity to demonstrate that progress on the court.
"I'm just super proud of how we were able to show up today and kind of showcase what we've been working on in preseason," she said.
LOOKING AHEAD:
York will have another crack at RMC on Saturday afternoon at the Tait McKenzie Centre. The Lions will look to carry Friday's performance into the rematch as they aim to build on their home-opening win. Saturday's match is scheduled for 12 p.m. You can get your tickets at yorkulions.ca/tickets or watch the game live and on-demand, free of charge on OUA TV.
