Box Score Game Summary
The Waterloo Warriors closed out 2012 with a straight set loss to the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday night at the PAC. The Warriors have battled each and every step of the way this year but continue to fall short in sets decided by two points.
The Blues won the first two sets 25-23, 27-25 and the deflated home side could not recover in the third losing that one 25-17.
The Warriors enter the Christmas break with a disappointing 2-7 record which has them tied for 11
th spot in the OUA. The Blues enter the exam break with a 5-4 record, tied for fifth in the OUA with McMaster Marauders.
Third-year right side hitter Jennifer Neilson (Port Coquitlamn, B.C.) led the Blues with 14 kills, four digs and three blocks. Ottawa native Charlotte Sider added 12 kills, six digs and two aces on the night.
Alexandra Hudson and Shannon Rossall each led the team with 15 digs, while Madelyn Mandryk recorded 24 assists in the win.
Clara Tse (Hong Kong/) led the Warriors with 13 kills in the loss while adding a staggering 19 digs.
Gillian Henderson (Ottawa/) had six kills while
Danielle Kamps (Vineland Station/) and
Kristen Sheffield (North Bay/) chipped in with five each. Setter
Mikaela Klie (/) had 19 assists in the match.
The Warriors will take some time off to regroup and refocus with hopes of turning their season around in 2013 when they open the new year with a pair of games against the Lakehead Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay.
Quotes from head coach Gaby Jobst:
“Toronto really out-competed us tonight and we had a hard time containing their top attackers, Jennifer Neilson and Charlotte Sider. You could see a purposeful fight in the Blues that we lacked and I have to admit, this loss truly took the wind out of our sails. Now that the first half of season is complete, we need this time in December to regroup, refocus and re-energize. We can turn around our second half of season by learning from our experiences this half and working hard in this next month to strengthen our weaknesses, regain some confidence in our play and come into January hungry to really show what we're made of.”