The York Lions women's volleyball team took on the Waterloo Warriors this afternoon with game two of their weekend series. The Lions came into the match looking to bounce back after their challenging loss last evening.

The Warriors immediately set the tone with a powerful swinging attack, quickly establishing a 5-0 run that forced the Lions into an early timeout. Emerging from the break, the Lions demonstrated grit and disciplined team defence, finally getting on the scoreboard thanks to a huge double block by Yulia Glazko and Quincy Johnson. The Lions quickly showcased their offensive depth as Alexis Miller proved a vital spark, utilizing tactical hitting to send crucial points off the Warriors' block as the Lions chased the lead. However, the sheer power and early lead of the Warriors ultimately proved too difficult to overcome, allowing the home side to maintain control and take the set with a decisive 25-14 final score.

The second set highlighted the Lions' collective resilience. After taking the opening point, the teams immediately engaged in a sustained exchange of points that signalled a highly competitive set where neither side could establish a significant lead. The defensive foundation of the Lions' effort was built by Kate Mathieu, repeatedly keeping pivotal rallies alive and generating crucial offensive chances for the Lions' attack. The Lions maintained consistent high pressure throughout the set, and the Warriors' performance suffered as a result, frequently committing costly serving errors. Despite the Warriors' errors and the Lions' sustained, coordinated effort, the set went to the Warriors as they took it 26-24. 

The third set picked up right where the second left off, continuing the back-and-forth narrative through the opening rallies and showcasing the Lions' systematic approach to offense. The team's attack found its rhythm thanks to the expert setting of Emma Serlin, who utilized the full depth of the team by activating hitters across all sections of the court. Alexis Miller, Victoria Herrington, and Kianna Drewniak capitalized on this distribution, unleashing a series of powerful, well-placed hits. This spread of skill demonstrated the team's reliance on cohesive unit play rather than a single star. Despite this strong offensive push, the Warriors managed to pull away late, concluding the competitive match by clinching the final set 25-18. 

LOOKING AHEAD:
Up next, the Lions will begin a stretch of games at home. Starting with hosting the Toronto Varsity Blues next Friday evening with the match set for 6:00 pm at the Tait McKenzie Centre.