Thunderwolves women’s volleyball team loses close match to nationally-ranked Toronto

Lakehead’s women’s volleyball team lost to the Toronto Varsity Blues Saturday afternoon in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, and 25-20. The Thunderwolves were able to challenge Toronto, and to push them throughout the sets, but the #8 nationally-ranked Varsity Blues finished each potion of the game on top.

“It was a good game today,” Thunderwolves head coach Craig Barclay said. “We played a very talented U of T team and we were able to push them.”

Lakehead was led by senior power Rheanna Geisel, who finished with a team-best 10 points including 9 kills on 35 attempts. Senior middle Jessica Korchak tacked on 7.5 points of her own including an efficient 4 kills on 11 attempts with no errors, and Meghan Routier added 6 points including 4 kills on 14 attempts in her first game back from an injury that saw her miss the last eight.

The Thunderwolves put down 26 kills a .194 kill percentage, with only three kills unassisted, but Toronto’s size and strength helped them to a .313 percentage, led by Alina Dormann’s 21 points, including 16 kills.

“We executed well and we were efficient,” Barclay said. “Hopefully we can keep that composure for tomorrow’s match.”

The Thunderwolves return to the court Sunday afternoon at 2pm to face the Ryerson Rams in the last volleyball action at the Thunderdome for the season. The Rams are currently the USPORTS #2 ranked team in Canada, with only one point fewer in the overall rankings. Interestingly, the Rams received more first-place votes than #1 Dalhousie, despite being outscored in total.

The Ryerson match will be preceded by a ceremony in which the Thunderwolves community will recognize and celebrate the women’s volleyball team’s graduating seniors. The event will take place just prior to the beginning of the match.