Box Score The No. 5 Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team fell 3-1 (26-24, 14-25, 18-25, 23-25) to the Ryerson Rams in their first game of the 2012-13 regular season on Sunday night (Oct. 21) at Mattamy Centre.
 
Third-year right side hitter Charlotte Sider (Ottawa) led the Blues with 14 kills, while sophomore standout Denise Wooding (North Vancouver) had 13 kills and 14 digs. 
 
Veteran Katrina Rossall tallied 16 digs, while setter Malena Rapaport had 28 assists and eights digs in the loss.
 
The Blues overcame a 16-7 deficit to take the first set 26-24, but were unable to capitalize on the momentum shift in the second set.
 
“We normally serve tough and play strong and aggressive at the net,” said Varsity Blues head coach Kristine Drakich. “Ryerson played well and we had difficulty rising to today’s challenges. It is a very good learning opportunity for us so early in the season.”
 
The Rams were led by Chelsea Briscoe’s 14 kills. Emily Nicholishen had 12 kills and nine digs, while Alexandra Whyte recorded a game-high 19 digs in the win.
 
The Varsity Blues return to the court this Friday, October 26 in their 2012 home opener versus the Western Mustangs. Opening serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
The Blues will also celebrate their 2011 Pan American and 2012 Olympic athletes on Saturday night (Oct. 27) vs Brock at 6 p.m.

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