Banner Season: Queen’s Captures Forsyth Cup with Four-Set Victory Over Windsor
Windsor, Ont. (via Windsor Lancers) – The Queen's Gaels claimed the Forsyth Cup title with a 3-1 victory over the Windsor Lancers in front of a packed crowd at the Toldo Lancer Centre on Friday night. The win secured Queen's the conference championship, adding to their strong season record.
The opening set saw both teams battle back and forth in a tightly contested frame. Queen's capitalized on key kills from Zig Licis and Reed Venning, while Windsor's Darian Koskie and Chase Bridges kept the Lancers in the fight. Ultimately, the Gaels edged out Windsor 28-26 to take the early lead.
Queen's carried their momentum into the second set, jumping ahead early and maintaining control throughout. Chris Zimmerman distributed the ball effectively, helping his team build a steady advantage. Windsor attempted to rally behind Markus Law-Heese's setting and Gustavo Siquiera's attacking, but the Gaels closed out the set 25-21 to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
Facing elimination, Windsor responded with a determined effort in the third set. The Lancers stepped up defensively, forcing Queen's into several attack errors while Koskie and Bridges delivered crucial points. The home crowd energized Windsor as they held off Queen's late push to secure a 28-26 win, keeping their championship hopes alive.
However, Queen's wasted no time reclaiming control in the fourth set. The Gaels stormed out to an early lead, with Licis and Venning dominating the net. Windsor struggled to find a response as Queen's defensive presence stifled the Lancers' attack. The Gaels wrapped up the match with a decisive 25-16 victory, securing the Forsyth Cup title.
Licis led Queen's with 22 kills and three service aces, while Venning contributed 15 kills and five total blocks. Zimmerman orchestrated the offense with 45 assists and added six digs defensively.
Windsor was paced by Koskie, who registered nine kills and four blocks, while Bridges and Siquiera added nine and seven kills, respectively. Law-Heese finished with 37 assists in the loss.
With the victory, Queen's secured their place as the top team in the conference, and both teams will now look towards the U SPORTS national championship in two weeks' time at Brandon University.
