In an impressive match, the number-one ranked Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves 3-0 on Sunday, coming off an equally impressive 3-0 win on Saturday.
The first set started out as a struggle for both teams with a few misblocks and service errors, but the Blues stepped up with some powerful kills from Kristina Valjas and Heather Bansley to take the first set 25-15.
The Thunderwolves proved confident in the second match, tying up the game early on, but Bansley responded with three consecutive kills. Middle Karla Brayshaw fought back for the Thunderwolves, trying to keep her team within striking distance by constantly blocking the Blues’ attempts to score. Katrina Russell recorded two kills for the Blues, bringing the score to 24-16. Outside hitter Amy Sweetman ended the rally 25-18.
The Blues continued to play strongly in the third match as they maintained a six-point lead throughout the final set, ultimately ending the match 25-16.
Valjas and Karlee Diesing led the Blues with a remarkable 12 kills and nine digs each, while Bansley added an impressive six points and four digs. Blues setter Kathleen Mahannah tallied six digs and 41 assists, and was named the Varsity Blues player of the game.
“Before each game, we challenge ourselves to play at our level and in this match we definitely played up to the challenge. Our mindset coming into this game was to treat the game seriously, as if it were the gold-medal match,” said Valjas.
Next home games
Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. at Athletic Centre Sports Gym vs. Queen’s Golden Gaels
Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. at Athletic Centre Sports Gym vs. RMC Paladins
