BLUES FALL IN FIVE TO WARRIORS

The Varsity Blues came up just short Saturday night at the Goldring Centre, falling 3-2 to the Waterloo Warriors in five sets.

It was the third time in their last four matches that Toronto had gone the distance.

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Blues got off to a strong start in the match taking the opening set. After going back and forth to begin the match, Toronto found themselves falling behind 13-9. At that point though, the Blues were able to flip the switch. The Blues went on to score the next six points and take a 15-13 lead. With the set tied 21-21, Toronto then took over with four straight points to take the early lead.

As the second set developed, it took place in a similar fashion to the opener. Waterloo was able to establish a three-point lead. After the visitors were able to extend their advantage to 14-9, the Blues once again bounced back. Toronto was quickly able to tie the set 15-15, and from there on, both sides exchanged points. Neither side was able to create more than a one-point lead until Waterloo went up 23-21. Although the Blues pushed, they weren’t quite able to overcome the late deficit, falling 25-23.

With both teams looking to go up two to one, it was Waterloo that was able to make the most of the third set. Tight through the first half, the Warriors began to pull away turning what was a 14-12 lead into a 21-14 advantage. From there they would secure the set 25-16.

With very little to separate the two sides as the fourth set got underway, the Blues were able to flip the script from previous sets and establish a lead during the middle portion. Jumping ahead 13-9 on a kill from Olivia Zhu, the Blues continued to keep a healthy advantage the rest of the way, winning the fourth 25-19.

Riding the momentum of forcing a fifth-set, Toronto was able to secure the first two points of the deciding set. Waterloo quickly worked their way back however, winning the next two rallies. With the set tied 6-6, the Warriors went up 8-6 to lead at the switch. The Blues came flying out of the break though, taking four of the next five points. From there though, Waterloo was able to find their groove, going on to win the set 15-11.

Julia Murmann led the Blues in kills and points with 20 and 23, respectively. Blues setter, Jasmine Safar finished the contest with a match-high 48 assists. Murmann and Natalia Souza both recorded a team-high 15 digs.

UP NEXT: The Blues will prepare for their cross-town rivals, as they will host the York Lions on November 25 with first serve scheduled for 6:00 p.m.