The Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team dropped a 3-0 (20-25, 14-25, 16-25) decision to the Guelph Gryphons on Friday night (Feb. 3) at W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre.

The loss drops Toronto to 10-5 as they remain in fourth place with games in hand in the OUA standings.

"We didn't execute well tonight and did not compete well in each rally," said Varsity Blues head coach Kristine Drakich. "We are a resilient team and it's just a few small things that will make the difference. I'm confident that we will improve them moving forward. It's all about the process and the faith in the process."

Second-year rightside hitter and Ottawa native Charlotte Sider led the Blues with five kills, while Rebecca Crosier, Alexandra Hudson and Jennifer Neilson each had four in the loss.  Hudson added a team-high 11 digs on the night.

The Gryphons got out to a commanding 9-1 lead in the first set and despite Toronto bringing it within five (15-20), held on to take it 25-20.

Guelph again started the second frame with a 12-5 streak, including seven consecutive points. U of T was unable to mount any sort of comeback as the home team went up 2-0 with the 25-14 win.

Things were close to begin the third set, with the Gryphons holding a slight 11-8 lead midway through.  Guelph ended the game on a 14-8 run to notch their seventh win of the season.

Brooke Llyod led all players with 16 kills and 10 digs, while Erinn Bickle added 11 kills in the win.

The Varsity Blues return to the court this Sunday, February 5 as they host the Ottawa Gee-Gees at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.  Opening serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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