LAKERS EDGE BLUES IN FIVE-SETTER

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team fell to the Nipissing Lakers 2-3 (26-24, 25-20, 20-25, 22-25, 12-15) on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 11) in North Bay.
 
The Blues now hold an 8-11 record on the season. Despite the loss, the Blues hold their ninth place postion in the OUA standings.
 
TORONTO STATS: Second-year outside hitter Julia Murmann led the Blues with 21 points by way of 18 kills, two aces and a solo block. Fourth-year outside hitter Hope Kotun had 13 points in the game through 11 kills and two service aces. The Sherwood Park, Alta. Added five digs.

Second-year middle blocker Anna Maria Gadomksi added 11.5 points for the Blues which included 11 kills and one assisted block. First-year outside hitter Olivia Zhu was close behind with 10 points in the game. She contributed seven kills, two assisted blocks, one solo block, one service ace, and 15 digs for the Blues.

HOW IT HAPPENED: A back-and-forth first set saw the Blues and Lakers trade point-for-point until a six-point scoring run gave the Blues a comfortable lead. As the Blues moved towards a first-set victory, they would score key kills by way of Kotun, Zhu, and Elizabeth Bilawey. In the end, the Blues would take the first set 26-24. 
 
In the second set, the Lakers returned to take an early lead (10-4). This however did not last long as the Blues were able to rally back and go on an eight-point run in the second half of the set (16-19 to 24-19). A block by Murmann solidified the Blues set victory 25-20.
 
The third set did not go in the Blues favour despite opening the set with a 3-0 run. The Blues battled it out with key plays made by Murmann, outside hitter Natalie Souza, and Zhu, but ultimately dropping to the Lakers 20-25.
 
The fourth set followed the pattern of the previous one. The Blues scored the first two points with the help of Kotun but struggled through the remainder of the set. The Lakers took the lead and won the set 25-22.
 
The fifth set was a tough one for the Blues as the Lakers immediately took the lead setting the tone for the remainder of play. Even with crucial plays from Murmann and Zhu, the Blues fell 15-12 in the fifth set.
 
UP NEXT: The Blues return to action in their final regular season game at home at the
Goldring Centre Kimel Family Field House next Sunday, February 19 against McMaster University. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.