2023-24 SEASON PREVIEW: VARSITY BLUES WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team enter the 2023-24 season looking to bounce back as an OUA contender.

Last season the Blues finished with a 9-11 regular season record, missing out on the OUA playoffs for the first time in over a decade, last failing to reach the postseason in 2010-11. Looking to rebound in 2023-24, Toronto bring with them a balanced blend of veteran experience and new energy, which should provide them with the boost needed to leapfrog back into contention.

FROM THE COACH’S DESK
“We’re enjoying working hard in the gym every day and we will continue taking care of our side of the court, creating opportunities for ourselves with tough serving, solid serve receive, a well-rounded offence, and being disciplined with our blocks and defence. We can feel this team’s committed investment to build collective strength, which is what will put them on a path to success.”

• Kristine Drakich, University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s volleyball head coach.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returners: Julia Murmann (OH), Olivia Zhu (OH), Anna Gadomski (M)

Key Additions: Delaney Watson (LIB)

LAST SEASON’S LEADERS
KILLS: Hope Kotun | 20 MP, 250 Kills
 
ACES: Elizabeth Bilawey | 19 MP, 25 Aces
 
BLOCKS: Elizabeth Bilawey | 19 MP, 46 Blocks

DIGS: Natalia Souza | 19 MP, 278 Digs
 
ASSISTS: Jasmine Safar | 20 GP, 637 Assists

FROM THE COURT
“We have a lot of fresh faces on the team this year and I’m excited to see our new players making an impact with the team. We are learning, growing, and solidifying our systems each time we hit the court and we are excited for the season to start.”

• Natalia Souza, 3^rd year, Outside Hitter/Libero

MARQUEE MATCHES
Nov 10 vs Western
In the Blues home opener they will face a tall task in challenging the visiting Mustangs. Both Toronto’s and Western’s volleyball programs have featured some of the best talent from across the entire OUA for several years, and this season will be no different, setting things up for another exciting contest in front of the home crowd at the Goldring Centre.

Dec 3 at York
Marking the final match of the fall semester, the Blues will be aiming to end the first half of the OUA season on a high-note when they make the short trip to York. U of T have had the Lions number, holding a 15-1 overall record versus York dating back to 2014. The single loss in the string of victories over the Lions came just last season when York was able to finally end the consecutive win streak for the Blue and White.

Jan 26 vs RMC
With four of their last six matches at home, Toronto will be counting on these crucial late season matches for a final playoff push. Versus the Paladins, the Blues have claimed the last three meetings in straight sets, while holding the Kingston-based opponents to no more than 21 points scored in a single set. This coincides with an unblemished 10-0 home record for U of T when facing RMC in Toronto.

Feb 17 vs Windsor
Toronto will conclude their regular season on home court versus the Lancers. The final match of the regular season could have major playoff implications as the Lancers finished just one spot ahead of the Blues a season ago, capturing the final postseason position. U of T will be looking to jump back into the fold, especially with a 15-match winning streak versus the Lancers dating back to 2008.
 
GET YOUR TICKETS
Tickets for Varsity Blues home games can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets.

All Varsity Blues home volleyball games will also be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.