LIONS OPEN 2024 HOSTING GRYPHONS, BLUES

After a slow start to the 2023-24 volleyball season, the York University Lions women’s volleyball team are in search of starting the new year off on the right foot. Opening up the year with two home games against the Guelph Gryphons and Toronto Varsity Blues, who the Lions closed out 2023 playing, York is in search of their second win of the season.

The OUA competition has stepped up a gear, and with a younger squad, the Lions have relied on the on-court leadership of Alisa Trubyuk, Amarai Endes and Madison Shanks. First-year Victoria Herrington has certainly made an impact on the court with her 43 kills through her first seven games and will continue to be a force throughout the rest of the season.

Lots of volleyball is still to be played and the Lions have lots of time to set themselves up for playoff contention.

The Match-up:

Jan. 5 York (1-6) vs. Guelph Gryphons (5-2)

Jan. 6 York (1-6) vs. Toronto Varsity Blues (4-4)

Game Details:

Fri., Jan. 5 vs Guelph (6:00 pm OUA.tv)
Sat., Jan. 6 vs Toronto (6:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York – Loss 2

Guelph – Loss 2

Toronto – Won 1

Quick Facts:

York:

• The Lions 1080 total attacks leads the OUA.
• Jessica Reynolds is 6th in the OUA in digs (83).

Guelph:

• Briar Crerar’s 0.52 service aces per set is 5th in the OUA.
• Guelph is 3rd in the conference in points per set (16.3).

Toronto:

• Olivia Zhu leads the OUA in kills (125).
• Toronto’s 184 errors is 1st in the conference.

Lions to Watch:

#15 MADISON SHANKS: Third-year outside hitter… Her six matches played has seen her record 53 kills, averaging 2.52 per set, leading the Lions in both categories… A top performer on her squad, she is 18th in the OUA on 181 total attacks, setting a seasons high 51 total attacks on Nov. 11 against McMaster.

#6 JULIA TYPA: Second-year outside hitter… In four matches played, she has two service aces, and 19 kills on 77 total attacks… Recording 15 digs and 1.36 digs per set, she set a seasons high seven digs, 33 total attacks and seven kills on Nov. 11 against the McMaster Marauders.