Led by Amanda Siksna, the new all-time Gaels’ blocks leader, Queen’s left the York Lions cowering after a two game series.
Queen’s Women’s Volleyball travelled to York University to take on the Lions in a two-game series this past weekend on Nov. 22 and 23. Riding a five-game winning streak and ranked third nationally, the Gaels aimed to extend their dominance—and they delivered.
On Friday, there was no answer to the Gaels offense, with a four-set win (25-17, 20-25, 25-17, 25-19), outscoring the Lions 71-48 with 59 kills to York’s 38.
Their offensive prowess continued Saturday with a straight set victory (25-20, 25-15, 28-26). The Gaels continued their offensive dominance with 43 kills to York’s 24, but it was their defensive performance—anchored by standout middle Amanda Siksna, ConEd ’25—that truly shone.
Siksna recorded seven of the Gaels’ 11 blocks in the second game, capping off a weekend in which she cemented her name in Queen’s Volleyball history. With 11 total blocks over the two game series, Siksna added to her total blocks as the program’s all-time leader in total blocks with 56 solo blocks, and 133 assisted blocks combining to 189 total blocks. Suring the previous record of 162 career blocks earlier this season. Her 44 total blocks this season also lead all U SPORTS and OUA athletes, showcasing her as one of the top defensive players in the country.
For Siksna, who comes from a volleyball family, playing the sport was a no-brainer.
“Being a middle was always in the cards. I was always tall as a kid, and both my parents actually played volleyball, so it was nice,” Siksna said in an interview with The Journal.
Having tried other positions, her style of play naturally fit the position.
“There’s something about being a middle and having a sense of control in that position […]. It’s just a sense of happiness,” she said.
Her path to greatness was shaped by her club career with the Aurora Storm, where she trained under coach Mike Jones and received guidance from former Queen’s Volleyball star Katie Hagerty, ArtSci ’14.
“I was with the club Aurora Storm for my whole club career, 13u to 18u with Mike Jones, who’s a great coach, and then, funny enough, Katie Hagerty, who was the previous block record holder,” she said.
While blocks are a critical part of volleyball’s defensive game—often creating momentum swings—Siksna is quick to highlight the importance of staying focused on her broader role.
“We have this mindset of everyone has their one job and one moment, and then when that moment’s done your next job comes,” she added.
With half the season remaining Siksna has the opportunity to continue to add to her total, and lead the defensive presence of one of the top teams in the country.
“Such a fun part about volleyball where it’s up to you and the girls around you to make it happen. So, I’m looking forward to the rest of the season […]. The jobs not done yet.”
Catch Women’s Volleyball at home in the ARC Main Gym or stream their games at OUA.tv.
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