Head coach Kristine Drakich recorded her 300th CIS win as the Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team came from behind to defeat the Lakehead Thunderwolves 3-1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-14, 25-23) on Sunday, November 21 in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Since becoming head coach 22 years ago, Drakich’s resume with the Varsity Blues includes a 300-94 regular season and playoff record, 21 consecutive OUA Final Four appearances, seven OUA titles and eight national tournament appearances. The former captain and CIS all-Canadian with the Varsity Blues has also been named the OUA coach of the year six times. 

"It's a neat milestone and means I've been here a long time," said Drakich. "Mostly it speaks to the tremendous people who have been a part of the women's volleyball program here at U of T and who I have had the privilege of working with over the many years. It's really a celebration of the teams and in particular the collection of student-athletes, who competed and fought so hard for each of those wins."

With the win, the Blues improve to 2-7 and sit in a three-way tie for fourth in the OUA East division.

"These were great wins for us this weekend," added Drakich. "This road trip is not easy at the best of times and we've had a challenging fall so it was great for us to compete as a team and earn the wins."

Second-year leftside hitter Alexandra Hudson of Mississauga, Ont., and rookie Sarah Chapin (Georgetown, Ont.) led the Blues for the second consecutive day. Hudson had 12 kills and 13 digs, while Chapin totalled 13 kills and 11 digs.

Aurora, Ont., native Lauren Ebenhardt recorded a team-high 23 digs and setter Malena Rapaport of Vancouver had an outstanding game with seven kills, 25 assists and 10 digs in the win.

Lakehead was led by Sarah Reid’s 11 kills and 13 digs. Setter Jenna McDonald recorded a game-high 39 assists in the loss.

The Varsity Blues return to the court next Friday, November 26 as they host the RMC Paladins at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Opening serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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