GUELPH, Ont. – Thursday night at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre, the Gryphons women’s volleyball team kicked off the 2024 calendar year with a memorable, five-set win over the visiting University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Set scores 25-27, 25-20, 15-25, 25-21 & 16-14. With the win, the Gryphons improve to 6-2 on the season, while the Varsity Blues fall to 4-5.
The eighth game of a 20-game OUA regular season schedule proved to be the most exciting to date for the Gryphons, who were back in action for the first time since the holiday break. The Gryphons twice fought back to even the match, forcing a decisive fifth set, which Guelph would take 16-14 to secure the win on home court.
Third-year setter, Alex Shields, helped lead the way offensively, finishing the night with a game-high 46 assists. Second-year left side, Briar Crerar, recorded a team-high 19.5 points (18 kills), while strong play at the net was provided throughout the night from Mia Miskovic, Hailey Holland, as well as rookie middle, Nikina Bear-Lowen (3 blocks).
With the win, the Gryphons (6-2) now sit just two points back of top spot in the OUA standings, with Brock, McMaster and Queen’s all sitting at 7-1 on the season. Guelph’s next three matches all come on the road (Jan. 5 at York, Jan. 12 & 13 at RMC) before the Gryphons return home on January 19 to once again host the Varsity Blues.