Fresh slate awaits women's volleyball, starting with York matchup

TORONTO - The Rams women's volleyball squad had plenty of challenges in the first half of their season, playing on home court just once back in November. Back in action this week in a home-and-away series against the York Lions, the team will get a fresh start as they pursue their first win.

Recent changes to the OUA schedule have seen three key home games rescheduled for the Rams in early March. The Rams will go no further than the city limits, going on just two brief road trips in February to York on Friday and Toronto next week.

"The fact that our game schedule is now solidified has been reassuring to the team and is allowing us to feel more prepared and excited to return to play," said libero Gala Halilovic about the revised set of games.

The home court advantage should be a key factor for the Rams as they showed signs of promise in a 3-1 loss to the Lions in November. Though they fell in four sets, they stole the second set and put up 24 points in the decisive fourth set. However, York still presents a test for the Rams, sitting second in the OUA East division.

Halilovic also spoke of the difficulties the team had during the January lockdown.

"It's definitely been challenging to stay ready to compete during the lockdown with (the) lack of gym access. But thanks to our awesome strength and conditioning coach, we have a detailed workout program we can access virtually. I was able to do some at-home strength and conditioning training."

Though the Rams have many rookies, the squad is also trying to come up with a finishing send off for their graduating student-athletes.

"The team is definitely keeping the graduating girls in mind during this last stretch of competition - to try and make it a memorable final season for them, especially amidst all the changes these past few seasons have brought," added Halilovic.

She also described the "eagerness" to return, along with "some nervousness."

Either way, the Rams will have home court benefits as soon as this Saturday, with first serve at 6:00 p.m. On Friday, things get underway at 5:30 p.m. at York.

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Players Mentioned

#16 Gala Halilovic: LIB; 5' 8"; 1

Players Mentioned

#16 Gala Halilovic
: 5' 8"; 1
: LIB

Players Mentioned

#16 Gala Halilovic

Players Mentioned

#16 Gala Halilovic