The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team defeated the Guelph Gryphons 3-2 on Friday (Jan.19) evening in Guelph.
Set scores for the match were 25-15, 25-27, 24-26, 25-20, 15-10. The Blues become just the second team to defeat Guelph through 12 matches played for the Gryphons so far this season.
The Blues opened the match with a decisive first set victory. However, the Gryphons returned to form in the following two sets re-taking the lead and forcing the Blues to battle from behind. Due to the Blues team effort, they were able to overcome the deficit forcing a fifth set and eventually claiming the five set victory. The Blues defence was able to shine in the match, recording 88 total digs and 12 total blocks, while the team worked efficiently on offence with a .264 kill percentage through the full five sets.
Blues third-year outside hitter Julia Murmann led all players on the evening with a game-high of 21.5 points from 19 kills, one service ace, one solo block, and one block assist. Fellow third-year outside hitter Natalia Souza also reached the 20 point mark in the win securing 15 kills, three aces, one solo block, and two block assists. A total of four Blues reached double-digit scoring as Olivia Zhu and Anna Gadomski added 19 and 14 points, respectively.
Guiding the Blues offence through all five sets was first-year setter Anna Arellano who set a new career-high in assists with 59. Meanwhile, the U of T defence saw four players register double-digit digs including a game-high 26 from libero Delaney Watson, and 21 from Murmann. Both Watson and Murmann have recorded double-digit digs in 12 of 13 games for the Blues this season so far.
Guelph’s middle blocker Mia Miskovic led the Gryphons tallying 17.5 total points on the night from 14 kills, two service aces, and three block assists.
The Blues return to action tomorrow (Jan. 20) evening when they travel to Hamilton to take on the No. 5 nationally ranked McMaster Marauders. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. The match will be live streamed online at oua.tv.