TORONTO – The Toronto Metropolitan University Bold women’s volleyball team came out victorious over the RMC Paladins in a 4-set game at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. They played their only game of the department’s Pride Weekend Celebration.
The Bold stood strong in the opening minutes against the Paladins, leading 8-4 at the first timeout. The blue and gold, who won in three straight sets last night against the same team, struggled halfway through the set prior to taking a timeout.
“First of all, I think we came out in the first set expecting to see the RMC we saw yesterday and they played much better, credit to them,” said head coach Dustin Reid. “It’s not really acceptable to not be ready to compete. We had our chances to come back and steal the first set, we couldn’t do it,” he added.
After an unsuccessful first set loss, the Bold were determined to come back stronger in the second.
In a back and forth second, the Bold led the visitors prior to a timeout and they were eager to build on their strategies from the previous day.
“We know that RMC is a really determined team and their defense is really strong but we knew it was a matter of taking care of the ball on our side and staying really determined and making sure we executed our game properly,” said middle Ashley Ditchfield.
Injured Britney Veltman’s captaincy was taken over by Ditchfield, a decision that worked out in the team’s favour.
“[Ashley’s] not the most experienced necessarily in time but she’s a leader, a clear leader in the team and her work ethic day in and day out stands out amongst the group. Not to mention her and Britney are so close and it was an easy choice,” said the head coach.
The relationship between Ditchfield and Veltman has helped bring them closer on and off the court.
“I didn’t feel much pressure. I knew the team supported the decision. And I was happy to step in for Britney. She’s one of the closest friends I’ve ever had and so I was happy to be there for her and the team,” said Ditchfield.
Scarlett Gingera’s serve and Megan Kesner’s save made for a six-point lead ahead of the Paladins. The set was looking to have a better future for the Bold.
Kylie Ferguson made an appearance and played a strong two sets with the team. She made a kill that put the Bold well ahead of the Paladins in the second.
With team culture and bonding being the most important for the squad, the blue and gold worked harmoniously and took the second set. The game would now be forced to at least four sets.
“I’m looking up to the older players a lot, trying to learn from them. Especially [Ditchfield] and Mary, they’re so calm and confident on the court so that’s something I’m trying to pick up on,” said rookie Tyra Krapp.
Winning the first triple points in the third, Tyra Krapp saved the ball that was just inches off the floor. Combined with Gingera’s kill, it seemed like the Bold could shut the Paladins out.
As the sun went down in Toronto, the crowd got louder courtside. The Bold channeled the energy of the court and led the third set 20-10.
“We rely a lot on humour to pick it up, pick up our energy and I think that translates into the audience seeing us having fun so I think we play our best when we have fun. Leading up to this weekend, we wanted to focus on our energy,” said libero Mary Rioflorido.
Two points away from a win, Ditchfield served and got a kill in the same play. The squad went on to win the set 25-11.
A troublesome fourth didn’t scare the Bold away as they were able to close the Paladins lead thanks to Adyson Wilson.
“When Adyson Wilson came into the game in the third set, that really gave us some energy and she made some big plays in the fourth set as well, gave us some momentum. I thought she gave us the type of energy we needed,” said Reid.
The Paladins fought hard, but the Bold fought harder. Unable to outdo their opponents, the red and black headed back to Kingston unsuccessful.
Facing the undefeated McMaster Marauders next, the team has been training tirelessly to make sure they make this season one for the books.
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