It took five strong efforts of play from the Varsity Blues, but they were able to preserver and earn their way back into the win column Saturday night. Hosting the Waterloo Warriors, the Blues withstood a valiant comeback effort from the visitors to secure a 3-2 (28-26, 25-10, 26-28, 17-25, 15-7) victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The Blues came out strong to start the match, earning the first three points. Then, leading 7-6, Toronto was able to go on a 6-1 run, extending their advantage to 13-7. Despite trailing the Blues 18-12, the one-loss Warriors fought back to pull even at 23, and managed to pull ahead 24-23 on the next point. However, the Blues would not be denied the opening set as a pair of kills from Hope Kotun led Toronto to a 28-26 win.
As the second set played out, it did not feature the drama of the first, as the Blues were able to take control and not relinquish. Holding an 11-8 lead over Waterloo, the Blues went on a tear, winning 14 of the next 16 points, and win the set 25-10.
Throughout the third set, neither side was able to create much separation until the midway portion. Up 18-15, Toronto began to pull momentum on their side in pursuit of their first sweep of the season. The Blues were able to build their advantage up to 24-17 and appeared to be on their way. The Warriors had other ideas though. Managing to win eight straight points, Waterloo not only stayed alive, but they also took a 25-24 lead all of a sudden. Although the Blues were able to extend the set a couple of times, they ultimately wound up falling 28-26 as the Warriors extended the match.
Carrying over their strong play to end the third, Waterloo picked up exactly where they left off. Separating from Toronto throughout the set, the Warriors would force a fifth set, thanks to a 25-17 win.
Despite Waterloo appearing to have taken control, the Blues dusted themselves off and came out flying for the deciding set. Led by four kills from Anna Gadomski, the Blues cruised to an 8-0 lead at the switch. From there, they continued to roll, going up 14-5, before finishing the set 15-7 on a Waterloo service error.
The Blues had four different players register double-digit kills. Kotun led the way with 17, while Asya Dogruer had 15 and both Gadomski and Julia Murmann had 13. Jasmine Safar’s 53 assists were a game-high. She also led the Blues in digs with 19.
UP NEXT: The Blues will prepare to host the Brock Badgers on December 2nd. First serve is set for 6:00 p.m.