WVB RECAP: Gryphons Move to 2-0 on the Season with Straight-Set Victory Over Lakehead

GUELPH, Ont. – Saturday night (Nov. 11) at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre the University of Guelph’s women’s volleyball team faced off with the Lakehead Thunderwolves for the second time in as many nights. Coming off a 3-1 victory Friday (Nov. 10), the Gryphons produced an even more convincing win, taking straight sets victory to improve to 2-0 on the season. Set scores were 25-11, 25-21, 25-21.

It was an impressive performance from the Gryphons, who never trailed the Thunderwolves. Fast starts to each set proved to be the difference maker, with the team able to maintain their lead and hold off a pair of late-set comeback attempts from the visiting team. The Gryphons opened the first set with a 10-3 run before a 9-2 one in the second and finally an 8-1 scoring streak in the final set.

The winning effort was led by second-year outside hitter Hailey Holland who produced a game-high 17 points thanks to 10 kills, 4 blocks, and one service ace. Holland’s season-best performance in the Gryphons second match comes after an impressive, 10-point performance in the team’s season opener on Friday. Setter Alexa Shields once again led the Gryphons in kill assists, helping out on 27 kills while also leading the team in digs with 16. 2022-23 All-Rookie and left side hitter Briar Crerar also had a strong showing, totaling 11 points, 8 kills, and a .319 hitting percentage. 

The Gryphons (2-0) now hit the road for a doubleheader next weekend (Nov. 17 & 18) against the Trent Excalibur before heading to Toronto to take on the York Lions. The team will make their return to the court at the Gryphons Athletics Centre on December 1 when they host the McMaster Marauders.