WEEKEND RECAP: Gee-Gees split 10-set weekend with Varsity Blues

The Gee-Gees women's volleyball team went toe-to-toe with old rivals Toronto when the Blues came to town for a double-header on Friday and Saturday. In an action-packed weekend, both matches went to five sets, with the Gee-Gees winning Friday, and Toronto winning Saturday.

In a tightly contested matchup for Pride Night on Friday night, the Gee-Gees took an early lead winning the first set, the teams would trade sets back and forth from there, before Ottawa secured the win with a 15-12 win in the final set.

It was a big night for the Gee-Gees outside hitters with Audrey Odigie leading the way with 17 kills, while Nicole Hildebrand had 12 kills. Odigie was also solid on the defensive end, with eight digs, and two assisted and one solo block.

First-year libero Jessica Goodman had 18 digs, while Harper Schaefer had 28 assists taking the lion share of setting duties on the night.

On Saturday, it was again clear that not much separated the teams. This time Toronto got in commanding position up 2-0. The Gee-Gees battled back to win a marathon third set 27-25, before sending it to five after winning the fourth set 25-19. In the fifth the Varsity Blues were able to regain control to close out the win and even out the weekend.

Odigie (19 kills) and Hildebrand (13 kills) were once again big for Ottawa. The Gee-Gees once again showcased their depth with multiple different combinations of contributors finding success together on the floor throughout. Christine Hachokake had a strong performance with seven kills, three solo and three block assists. First-year Keely Lloyd had five kills, two aces, and five block assists.

In all, the two matches mark the seventh time the Gee-Gees have gone to five sets in the regular season this year.

What They're Saying:

"I look at [this weekend] as seven outstanding sets and 80% of our roster contributing to that win or lose, different people won at different times. We're the smallest roster and have the most depth. I love it. … Our job is to give ourselves opportunities, and seven five setters are opportunities. We're right there on the edge and we have to get it done." – Lionel Woods, Gee-Gees head coach.

Up Next:

Ottawa will take to the road to Hamilton for two matchups with the McMaster Marauders. The first of two matches is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, with the second set for 2 p.m. on Saturday. Both will be streaming live on OUA.tv.