The Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team fell 3-2 (26-24, 25-15, 12-25, 18-25, 5-15) to the Ottawa Gee-Gees in their first game of 2011 on Saturday, January 8.

With the loss, the Blues move to 4-8 and remain in fourth place, while the Gee-Gees improve to 6-4 and sits in third in the OUA East division.

“We struggled with our execution but continued to work together as a team, we just could not find a way to score points after the second set,” said Blues head coach Kristine Drakich. “Ottawa stepped up their game after being down 0-2 and we were not able to respond to that challenge. We are committed to improving and we are looking forward now to next weekend.”

Veteran leftside hitter Karlee Diesing of Coquitlam, B.C., led the Blues with 12 kills and 16 digs, while rookie middle hitter and Georgetown, Ont., native Sarah Chapin totalled seven kills, four digs and two blocks. Charlotte Sider had seven kills and six digs and Malena Rapaport recorded 25 assists and 16 digs in the loss.

Ottawa was led by Myriam English’s game-high 14 kills. Lara Carmanico chipped in with nine kills and 14 digs in the come-from-behind victory.

The Varsity Blues return to the court next Saturday, January 15 when they host their fourth annual Cheer Blue, Think Pink game versus the Ryerson Rams at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Opening serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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