With playoffs approaching, the Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team swept Trent University’s Excalibur in straight sets on February 8, matching their 3–0 victory from February 7 to complete a back-to back-sweep. The Blues now look ahead to their next away game, their final Ontario University Athletics match before the quarter-finals.

The game coincided with U of T’s Senior Day, where the team paid homage to four Blues players looking forward to their graduation. Infinite thanks must go to Varsity Blues seniors Natalia Souza, Robin Melnick, Julia Murmann, and Anna Gadomski for a great season.

What happened?

The Blues took the first point of the opening set. Once both teams had reached a tied score of 4–4, the Blues pulled ahead, forcing the Excalibur into a timeout at 8–4. The Blues continued to advance, extending their lead to 14–8 thanks to a service ace by outside hitter Souza. Undeterred, the Blues closed the set swiftly, finishing 25–15.

The Excalibur opened the second set with their serve, and both teams traded points evenly until the Blues tied the game at, once again, 4–4. The Blues’ hitters showcased their consistent offense, maintaining an advantage even through a setter change. Second-year setter Anna Arellano swapped in near the end of the set at 20–14, and the Blues took it 25–17.

Starting setter Melnick swapped back in for the final set, and the Blues held a strong lead until 13–5, when the Excalibur began to catch up. The Blues called a timeout after Excalibur scored five consecutive points, and outside hitter Giulia Chimilovski broke the streak when the game returned. The Blues then regained their momentum and closed the set at 25–12, with Murmann also contributing a total of seven points in the third set alone.

All four of the Blues’ final-year players performed strongly for Senior Day, collectively scoring a total of 32.5 points. A stand-out performance by Melnick, with her steady direction and tempo control, helped the Blues secure the game.

What’s next?

The Blues’ final regular-season game before playoffs takes place in Kingston against the Royal Military College Paladins on Friday, February 14, closing off their 10–8 season record. Good luck to the Blues and sincere wishes to our soon-to-be graduates!