The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's volleyball team hosted their 2008-09 regular season home opener on Friday, October 31, defeating the Queen’s Gaels 3-0 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

All three games were close 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, but the Blues battled through some early miscues to come away with their first win of the season.

Heather Bansley (Waterdown, Ont.) had a great performance, leading all players with 18 kills and 15 digs. Richmond Hill native Dianne Burrows added eight kills and five digs while fourth-year libero Michelle Wood (Toronto, Ont.) posted 19 digs. Kathleen Mahannah (Vancouver, B.C.) controlled the ball all game, tallying 38 assists in the win.

Elyssa Heller (Highland Park, Ont.) led the Gaels with eight kills and 15 digs.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow as they host the RMC Paladins at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. The women are scheduled to start at 12 p.m., with the men to follow at 2 p.m.