BLUES UNABLE TO BREAK THROUGH IN TIGHT THREE-SET LOSS TO LIONS

Looking to snap a two-game losing skid, the Varsity Blues women’s volleyball nearly went point for point with the visiting York Lions Friday night at the Goldring Centre, however, in the end, it was not enough in a 3-0 (23-25, 19-25, 23-25) loss.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Playing in front of their hometown fans on Fan Friday, the Blues gave them plenty to cheer about early on. Using a relentless attack, the Blues went up 8-4 early in the opening set.

After the Lions battled back to take a 12-10 lead, there was very little to separate the two teams the rest of the way. With neither side able to establish a lead larger than two points for the rest of the set, it was ultimately York who would come up with two consecutive points at 23-23 to claim the opening set.

Following a tight beginning to the second set, York began to establish control at the midway point. Trailing 11-10, the Lions would go on to register five consecutive points and create a little bit of breathing room. Despite a late push from Toronto, they were unable to narrow the gap, falling 25-19.

Needing to win the third set to extend the match, the Blues came out swinging. Led by four quick kills from Julia Murmann, the Blues jumped out to a 7-3 advantage. Although York was able to chip away at the lead, the Blues would hold off the attack and regain their four-point separation at 15-11. From there though, York began to push. After bridging the gap to just 17-16, the Lions then went on to 22-21 lead. Determined to stay alive, the Blues quickly regained the lead at 23-22, but were unable to stop a three-point York run which would seal the match.

Murmann would go on to lead the Blues in kills with 15. Her 16 digs finished second on the team behind Natalia Souza’s 25. Jasmine Safar recorded a team-high 26 assists.

UP NEXT: Looking to rebound, the Blues won’t have to wait long. They will return to the court on November 26 when they host the Waterloo Warriors at 6:00 p.m.