TORONTO — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's volleyball team fell to the Lakehead Thunderwolves 3-2 (27-25, 25-20, 23-25, 19-25, 11-15) on Saturday.
Despite a stronger showing in the second game, the third and final set remained elusive on Halloween.
While the Bold didn't get the result they were looking for, they were treated to a sparkling performance by
Marta Cerovic. The outside hitter finished with 22 kills, just two shy of tying the program record for single-game kills set by Veronica Livingston in 2015.
"You get into a rhythm and flow...everything was just going," said Cerovic. "Our team working together allowed me to do my thing."
Building off their season-opening win, the Thunderwolves started the game on an 11-7 run. Before Lakehead could pull away, TMU outside hitter Cerovic recorded two consecutive points. The first came on an attack from the left side that violently deflected off a Lakehead defender. On the next possession, Cerovic's attempt was blocked, but the fall conveniently fell out of bounds.
TMU seemingly benefitted from an unusually lengthy stoppage. While the crowd at the Mattamy Athletic Centre got a small break from the action, the Bold coaching staff were working tirelessly with the team.
"It allowed us to have some conversations and give the girls a chance to reset," said Bold head coach
Julie Gordon.
The most competitive rally of the set ended with TMU's
Qadira Shakespeare's tip getting blocked by Lakehead's Annika Trask. Despite the point going the other way, it was clear that the Bold had an extra pep in their step after dropping their home opener.
A block by
Julia Breen ignited the momentum the Bold needed towards the closing moments of the first set. Cerovic continued to wreak havoc as she picked on Lakehead's backline to record TMU's 23rd point of the set. Moments later, Cerovic tied the game at 25-25.
With the set up for grabs, Lakehead's Lucy Mullan's attempt went far right. On the ensuing possession, the Thunderwolves' return hit the net, ending the rally and giving the Bold their first set win of the season.
Seemingly riding a wave of confidence, TMU had an inspiring start to set two. While up 15-10, Cerovic continued to impose her will on the contest, this time from behind the service line. Cerovic finished with three service aces, tying for the team lead with Breen. The entire team finished with 12 aces, compared to Lakehead's seven.
At set point, outside hitter
Rian Lenarduzzi put the finishing touches on a kill from TMU's backline that surprised the Lakehead defence off guard.
"We have some girls that are doing a really great job of owning their roles," said Gordon.
Despite a collective performance from the Bold, they couldn't secure the next set, dropping it by a score of 25-23.
Rayanna Amos-Ross Fisher and
Makenna Williams provided the early offence. Down two points midway through the set, Williams showcased her defensive prowess with an incredible dig that led to a TMU point. Back on offence and late in the set,
Celeste Pelletier caught the Thunderwolves blockers off guard by faking a set before finessing it over the defenders. Cerovic also showed off her touch when she tipped a ball just over the outstretched arms of a Lakehead player.
The Bold couldn't figure it out in time to end the game in four sets despite contributions off the bench from the likes of
Mia Causevic, who recorded her first kill of the contest during a pivotal moment.
In the decisive fifth set, Lakehead raced out to a 4-1 lead, prompting Gordon to call an early timeout. Out of the huddle,
Sadie Bird perfectly set up
Tyra Krapp for the kill and potential momentum swinger. The Bold then went on a 4-0 mini-run but the Thunderwolves responded with two clutch service aces. Dramatically, Shakespeare and Williams returned the favour with aces of their own. Unfortunately, the Bold would fall short at the finish line.
"There are a lot of good moments," said Gordon. "We just need to do it over a lengthier period of time."
The Bold will now embark on a trip to Kingston to play the RMC Paladins on Nov. 6. The first set is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. EST on OUA.tv.
