The Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team started 2012 with a bang after a 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-19) win over the Windsor Lancers at St. Denis Centre.

Second-year right side hitter Charlotte Sider of Ottawa dominated with a game-high 17 kills. Veteran Shannon Rossall (Calgary) and Georgetown, Ont., native Sarah Chapin each picked up six kills, while Rebecca Crosier tallied 10 digs and setter Malena Rapaport had 36 assists in the victory.

“It’s always good to win on the road,” said Varsity Blues head coach Kristina Drakich. “The team did a great job getting comfortable in the gym and were very focused. Rebecca led a great defensive effort and Charlotte converted the digs into points.”

The win lifts Toronto to 7-3 and leaves them tied for second place with the Ottawa Gee-Gees.

Toronto came out strong in the first game, building 8-1 and 12-2 leads.  Windsor battled back to bring it within four (16-12), only to see the Blues end the game on a 9-1 run. 

U of T found themselves down 9-7 in the second set but strong play from Sider and Rapaport allowed the visiting squad to gain a 22-15 advantage and eventually take the set.  Toronto carried that momentum over to the third and held a comfortable gap to secure the win.

The Blues return to the court tomorrow night as they head to London, Ont., to take on the Western Mustangs (6-4).  Game time is set for 6 p.m.

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