The Quinnipiac Bobcats defeated the Merrimack Warriors in four sets on Tuesday, improving to 10-2 in conference play. The victory also extended the Bobcats’ undefeated streak against Merrimack to 4-0. Despite the win, there were several underlying issues with the team’s performance that could cause concern as the end of the regular season grows closer. 

For the first time in the short series history, Merrimack managed to take a set from Quinnipiac which raised concern about the Bobcats’ focus and execution. 

“I think Merrimack is a team that we should handle in three sets,” said opposite hitter Elena Giacomini, “and not leaving them much room to play their game.”

Throughout the match, the team struggled to maintain leads and appeared to lack communication in key moments. Communication issues and untimely errors hurt the Bobcats, while the Warriors capitalized on big blocks and consistent defense.

“There’s times where you should be a lot smarter than just swinging blindly into a really big block that’s just sitting there waiting for you,” Head Coach Kyle Robinson said following the win, “I got a really good glimpse of who’s ready to win a championship and who’s not.”

The Bobcats registered 32 attack errors to the Warriors’ 24; an area where Quinnipiac has had consistent problems dating back to last season. 

Robinson added that he felt the team lacked enthusiasm in the match, falling victim to sloppy plays and emphasizing, “It’s not my job to start the engine; their engine.” 

Following the announcement of her second straight MAAC Setter of the Week award, Damla Gunes was subbed out for Klara Olszewska in what Robinson called “a tactical decision.”

“Klara is a bigger blocker, it was kind of crunch time and we’re seeing if we can steal a block,” he said. 

The match was Quinnipiac’s third in five games; part of a grueling late-season schedule that includes two more matches this upcoming weekend. Fatigue would be a concern for any team, and the Bobcats are working to balance rest and recovery with maintaining intensity and effective practice.

“It should look a lot better than what it’ll be this week,” Robinson said, “We need to get back in the gym and work harder.” 

Players echoed their coaches’ concerns while emphasizing the challenges of the long season.

“It’s very tiring especially now… we’re through the end of the season and everything feels like it’s back to back to back,” outside hitter Yagmur Gunes said, “We really… just move day by day and just focusing on what’s in front of us.” 

“I think we need to be more consistent in general,” Giacomini said, “It’s nothing about our skill… it’s more about how we have to improve mentally in never letting go.”

While the Bobcats did manage to walk away with another win, this match proved to be a wake-up call. If they hope to contend for a MAAC championship, they’ll need to find the consistency, focus, and energy Robinson knows they’re capable of.

The Bobcats will be back in action at Burt Kahn Court on Friday and Saturday against the Iona Gaels and Manhattan Jaspers respectively.