The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team remain atop the OUA East standings after defeating the Lakehead Thunderwolves 3-0 (25-8, 25-18, 25-17) on Friday, January 22 at the Athletic Centre. 

Heather Bansley of Waterdown, Ont. started the game with one of her powerful signature kills. The Thunderwolves were in for a rough night at the hands of the Blues who were in fine form and ready to block anything that came their way.
 
Nearing the end of the set with the Blues up 22-7, Ottawa native Rebecca Crosier had two big kills and Varsity Blues player of the game Lauren Willoughby (Unionville, Ont.) ended the first, 25-8, with a final blow.
 
After winning the first game handily, the Blues came into the second confident and gained the first point of the game. The Thunderwolves rebounded with increased organization and looked inspired to keep the score closer.
 
Karlee Diesing (Coquitlam, B.C.) was key to this second set, smashing the ball past Thunderwolves blocks, and with the help of Willoughby, helped bring the score to 15-8. After the halfway mark the Blues pushed and managed to maintain a five-point lead to take the second 25-18 with a final kill from Diesing.
 
The Blues again started the game with an opening run, knocking down four-straight points. The Thunderwolves weren’t willing to down quietly. Karla Brayshaw (Thunder Bay, Ont.) led her squad with her impressive shots and saves, making the final set a little rougher. 

Toronto’s Alexandra Hudson (Mississauga, Ont.), Diesing and Willoughby were crucial in securing the final shots of the game and fending off the hungry Wolves. The Blues won the final match 25-17. 

The top-scorer for the Blues was Crosier with seven kills and six digs, while Diesing added 13 kills and seven digs and Willoughby had 11 kills. 

Lakehead was led by Karla Brayshaw who tallied 12 kills and Sarah Reid of Thunder Bay, Ont. with five kills and seven digs. 

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow afternoon (Jan. 23) in the second game of a doubleheader the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Athletic Centre. 

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.