In a hard-fought battle, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's volleyball team fell to the McMaster Marauders 3-0 on Friday night (Feb. 28) at Burridge Gym in Hamilton.

Despite keeping the first and third sets competitive, the Blues were ultimately outmatched in the OUA semifinal showdown, with the No. 4 seed and No. 9 nationally ranked Marauders securing the win in straight sets, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23.
 
Following the incredible upset by the No. 8 seed Blues over the No. 1 seed Queen's Gaels in the OUA quarter-final round, Toronto carried the momentum into the start of the match in Hamilton, taking an early lead over the home side. Led by five early kills from second-year outside hitter Olivia Zhu, U of T was able to jump ahead 16-10 at its greatest advantage in the opening set. However, after a momentum stopping timeout by McMaster, the Marauders were able to pull off a seven point run which awoke the home crowd and returned the match to a more back-and-forth pace. Throughout all three sets the Blues delivered a strong effort defensively, recording 37 total digs, but the McMaster presence at the net with 12 total blocks and untimely struggles at the service line for Toronto never allowed U of T to regain an advantage.
 
Zhu led the Blues attack, finishing with a team-high nine kills on a .250 hitting percentage. She was followed closely behind by first-year standout Julia Liu, who finished the three set contest with a team-high 10 points from eight kills, one service ace, and one solo block. Defensively, fourth-year outside hitter Julia Murmann notched a team-high eight digs, while Zhu registered seven and second-year libero Delaney Watson chipped in with six. Fifth-year setter Robin Melnick facilitated the offence with 20 assists.
 
For McMaster, Sullie Sundara was dominant with a game-high 18 points from 15 kills, two aces, and two block assists, while also recording a game-high 14 digs defensively. Olivia Julien also reached double-digits in both kills and digs, recording 11 and 13, respectively. Setter Chayse Victoria orchestrated the Marauders attack with 31 assists, while both Abby Delamere and Angelika Vidmar provided the net presence with three blocks each.
 
The Varsity Blues fought hard throughout the season, showcasing resilience and determination, including a second half push which saw the team win eight of their last nine regular season contests. In addition, Toronto earned the first No. 8 versus No. 1 upset since 2011-12. Despite the campaign coming to a close, it was a season full of growth, intense battles, and standout performances.