The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's volleyball team fell to the Guelph Gryphons 3-2 (27-25, 20-25, 25-15, 21-25, 14-16) on Thursday (Jan. 4) night at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre.
 
Despite the loss, the Blues fought hard in their first game of the new year. The Blues led in total points (73-71), services aces, and block assists. The result of the game was ultimately decided in the final moments of the final set as the Blues and Gryphons were tied 14-14 towards the end of the fifth set. 

The Blues were led by outside hitter Julia Mumann who recorded a game high of 20 points throughout the five sets. Murmann earned her points from 17 kills, one ace, and four block assists. Additionally, fellow outside hitter Olivia Zhu hit the double-digit mark alongside middle blocker Thea Ziesmann. Zhu recorded 16.5 points from 14 kills, two aces, and one block assist. Meanwhile, Ziesmann's points came from a game-high seven service aces, two kills, and four block assists. 
 
First-year libero Delaney Watson led the team with an impressive 30 digs, while setter Robin Melnick picked up 32 assists in guiding the team offence.
 
The Gryphons were led by second-year outside hitter Briar Crerar who tallied 19.5 points in the game from 18 kills, one service ace and one block assist.

The Blues return to action Saturday, Jan. 6 as they return to Toronto to take on the York Lions next. First serve at the North York campus is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the action streamed online at oua.tv.