GUELPH, Ont. – In the final match before the winter break, the Guelph Gryphons women’s volleyball team fell to the No. 6-ranked McMaster Marauders in straight sets. After suffering their first loss of the season to the Marauders Friday night (Dec. 1) the Gryphons looked to bounce back Saturday (Dec. 2) back on their home court. Set scores were 25-19, 25-11, and 25-23 in favour of the Marauders who now sit in second-place in the OUA standings with a record of 7-1 while the Gryphons fall to fourth at 5-2.
After a convincing opening set win by the Marauders 25-19, the Gryphons answered with strong performances in the second and third sets scoring 22 and 23 points. Kills from Hailey Holland, Sophie Kalbfleisch, and Mia Miskovic gave the Gryphons a strong start and lead to open the second set before several multi-point runs allowed McMaster to take a 2-0 win. The third set saw another strong set from the Gryphons but the U of G team was unable to maintain the advantage, with the Marauder comeback forcing a back-and-forth set that would end with a straight sets victory. The Gryphon attack was led by Hailey Holland, a second-year outside hitter who totaled 9.5 points thanks to six kills, three service aces, and a block.
The Gryphons will now head into the winter break before returning to action on January 4, 2023 to host the Toronto Varsity Blues, who sit just two places behind the Gryphons in the OUA standings.