The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's volleyball team dropped a straight sets decision versus the No. 5 nationally ranked Brock Badgers on Friday (Jan. 23) night inside Goldring Centre – Kimel Family Field House.

Set scores in the match were 26-28, 24-26, 22-25.

The Blue battled throughout forcing the Badgers into extra points in each of the first two sets. This included coming back from a six-point deficit late in the first set, but each time the nationally ranked opponent would string together a crucial two-point swing to capture the victory. Toronto's offence allowed for the close back-and-forth totaling more kills than the visitors. However, the difference came at the service line and the net where U of T accumulated more service errors and conceded more blocks throughout the three-set contest.

The duo of fourth-year outside hitter Olivia Zhu and second-year outside hitter Julia Liu led the way for Toronto with 15.5 and 15 points, respectively. Zhu registered 15 kills and one block assist, while Liu tallied 12 kills, one ace and two solo blocks. First-year setter Marina Gustke paced the Blues offence with 34 total assists, registering her sixth match this season with 30 or more assists. Third-year libero topped the team with 13 digs defensively.

For the Badgers, five players recorded five or more points in the win led by a 15 kill and 13 dig outing for Emily Foest. Charlotte Ross also impressed at the net with four solo blocks and one block assist through three sets played.

U of T had won six straight matches ahead of the Friday night showdown. Looking to get back in the win column, the Blues and Badgers will be right back in action tomorrow (Jan. 24) afternoon inside Goldring Centre. First serve in the rematch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tickets for Varsity Blues home games are available at varsityblues.ca/tickets, while all U of T home volleyball matches are also streamed on oua.tv.