The No. 7 University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's volleyball team opens their 2014-15 regular season campaign on the road this Saturday, October 18 as they head to Thunder Bay, Ont., to take on the Lakehead Thunderwolves.

The Blues take on the Brock Badgers the following Sunday, before hosting the RMC Paladins in their 2014-15 home opener on Friday, October 31 at the brand new Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.

The Goldring Centre will also play host to the 2015 CIS women's volleyball championship, February 26-March 1. As the hosts, the Blues have solidified their spot on the national stage this season, but they are determined to prove that they belong to be there.

"We want to earn our spot and win the OUA title this season," said Varsity Blues head coach Kristine Drakich. "We had a great season last year, but a disappointing semifinal knocked us out of contention. With the group that we have returning, I'm positive we will be top contenders in the OUA."   

The Blues also added full-time assistant coach Vincenzo Mallia to their support staff this season.

"Vincenzo has been a great addition to our team this season and his analysis of game situations will have a huge impact and contribute to our success," added Drakich. 

Returning for their fifth and final years are Charlotte Sider, Jennifer Neilson and Sarah Chapin. A 2013-14 CIS all-Canadian, Sider, along with OUA All-Star Neilson have led the team in kills for the past two seasons and have both grown their game and are prepared for the challenges of this season.  

A veteran from Gerogetown, Ont., Chapin leads a strong middle, including 2013-14 CIS all-rookie team member Tessa Davis, as well as fourth-year Bojana Radan, who provides great energy on the court, and sophomore and Team Ontario member, Danielle Bentley.  

Fourth-year standout Denise Wooding returns with as much versatility as ever, excelling at both the left and libero positions. Sophomore Kate Lonergan, who led the OUA with 4.49 digs per set last season, as well as fourth-year veteran Angie Bellehumeur and Asli Ersozoglu rounds out Toronto's libero and defensive specialist contingent.

U of T's outside positions have great depth in players like Caleigh Cruickshank, Emma Jennings and newcomers Anna Feore, Kendra Wells and Veronica Derylo.

Madelyn Mandryk and Erin Jacobs will run the offense and share the setting duties this season.   

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