THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The women’s volleyball team dropped their season opener 3-0 to the U of Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday evening (18-25, 23-25, 15-25).
Photo: Guy Gascoigne
The Blues jumped all over the ‘Wolves in set 1, as Lakehead managed just 4 kills in the set with 7 hitting errors. The Blues managed 15 kills on 35 attacks.
Lakehead showed a lot more fire in the second set, staying within a point or two of Toronto and leading in the set twice, 19-18 and 22-21 before Lakehead’s fortunes were turned. Emotionally gassed and seemingly demoralized in the third set, Lakehead went quietly to end the match.
The Blues’ big front line kept Lakehead hitters at bay for the majority of the game, as Jen Casey made 6 kills to lead her team, and Kailan Robinson 5 kills.
Toronto setter Madelyn Mandryk made 31 assists, with four Blues making 7 or more kills.
Fifth year libero Breanne Hilhorst made 12 digs for Lakehead with an assist. Vanessa Masters made 18 assists in her home debut as a starter.
Lakehead coach Chris Green post game commented, “It’s always interesting with new faces and a new season. Tonight we had a solid and accurate plan to deal with Toronto. They’re experienced, physical and smart. To defeat them you have to execute most of your plans and in the end we faltered at that.”
Green continued, “We’ll progress everyday and week to week be in good positions to put wins up. We have to be patient with this group. When they get it we will be in good shape and until then we need to continue to teach and enforce discipline. The girls will be hungry to get back in and get ready for McMaster in 2 weeks. The team understands there Is a process and we need to work hard. Evaluate, grow and test again.”
Game Notes
Lakehead made 40 digs to Toronto’s 30…Lakehead led in the 2nd set 19-18 before a controversial (missed) call tied the game at 19…Toronto will host the CIS Championships later this season.
