The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's volleyball team fell 3-0 (23-25, 16-125, 19-25) to the McMaster Marauders in an exhibition game on Sunday (Oct. 5) afternoon at the Goldring Centre Kimel Family Fieldhouse.

Toronto came out strong in the opening set, trading points early and building a 10-6 lead thanks to aggressive serving from third-year middle Lani Facey and timely kills from second-year outside Julia Liu and third-year outside hitter Giulia Chimilovski. McMaster responded with a run of their own to regain the lead. Although Toronto battled back late to narrow the gap to two. McMaster was able hold on to claim the first set. U of T kept it close in the final two sets, losing by six and five points respectively.

Liu led the Varsity Blues attack with 11 kills and three aces for a team-high 14 points. Chimilovski stood out with six points and one block and first-year setter Marina Gustke anchored the play making with a match-high 21 assists while notching two aces. Defensively, third-year libero Delaney Watson contributed a team-leading nine digs, while Facey was steady at the service line with three aces.

McMaster played a strong game led by Sydney Zakutney and Olivia Julien, who combined for 29 kills. 

The Blues are back in action on Saturday (Oct. 18) afternoon when they host the Guelph Gryphons at Goldring in their final exhibition game. First serve is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. U of T students receive free entry with a valid T-Card.