RECAP: Gee-Gees go the distance with TMU, split a pair of five set matches

The Gee-Gees women's volleyball team were in Toronto for Thursday and Friday meetings with the TMU Bold, splitting a pair of five set matches.  

Thursday night's meeting went the distance, needing all five sets to be decided. The Gee-Gees came out with aggressive play in front of the net. Nicole Hildebrand, Christine Hachokake and Audrey Odigie had their way in the opening set, combining for 14 of 17 Ottawa kills.

The second and third set went in favour of the Bold as they earned 25-14 and 25-17 wins.

With Maxim Langevin at the serving line, Ottawa took a 3-0 lead to start the fourth set. A massive block by Hachokake gave the Gee-Gees a 25-22 win, forcing a fifth and final set.

The Bold inched ahead early in the fifth set, eventually taking the 15-13 win to call the match.

Hildebrand led Thursday's match with 16 kills.  On defence, Brynn Lewis accounted for 17 digs. Odigie was key all around, logging 14 kills, 15 digs, and a service ace.

Ottawa had a second chance at TMU the following night.

The teams exchanged points throughout the opening set. Incredible digs from Lewis paired with well-placed balls from Hildebrand and powerful hits from Lilianne Boucher-Pfliger gave the Gee-Gees the edge. Ottawa took the first set 26-24.

Ottawa took charge in the second set, earning a four-point lead to start things off. Rookie Gee-Gee, Boucher-Pfliger, was a notable force in the lineup as she contributed four kills and eight digs to help win 25-15.

The Bold came away with a 25-19 win in set three to prevent the Gee-Gees sweep, but they also managed to force a fifth set by closing out the fourth 25-21. 

Ottawa fell behind in the fourth set as TMU built a 17-13 lead. The Gee-Gees managed to scrap their way back in it, and a service ace by Odigie to make forced the Bold to call a timeout. 

The game went down to the wire, reaching 14-14. Odigie struck the ball down the middle to give the Gee-Gees the advantage, an error by TMU meant the Gee-Gees won the set 16-14.

Again, Hildebrand was the kill leader on Friday night, logging 18 kills and 21 points on the night. Odigie also accounted for 21 points, logging 15 kills and 17 digs. Boucher-Pfliger totalled 20 digs and 5 kills in the winning effort.

Next, the Gee-Gees will head back to Ottawa for their home opener on Nov. 16 when they host the York Lions.