OSHAWA, ON – The Durham Lords women's volleyball season kicked off their 2022-23 OCAA regular season campaign with a win, sweeping the Algonquin Wolves in three sets at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre on Friday evening.

Durham took the opening two sets convincingly, winning by identical 25-11 scores. In the third and final set, the Wolves showed their fight in them but ultimately came up short 25-23, securing the three-set sweep for the hosts.

"It was a great start to the season. Good home crowd and it's nice to get back to regular season action," said Head Coach Tony Clarke. "Katie Stewart had a great game as well and was awarded player of the game by her peers."

Offensively, Jessica Joensen (Brooklin, ON) led the way in her return to the court with seven kills on 26 total attacks and three service aces. The fifth year outside hitter took on the role as team manager in the shortened 2021-22 season due to the pandemic, electing to return for 2022-23 and play out her final year of eligibility in a full season.

"It is nice to have Joensen return to play, she stepped up and had some great attacks and serving pressure," said Clarke.

Katie Stewart (Gananoque, ON) recorded five kills and three aces, while Amanda Larsen (Toronto, ON) and Mia Hildebrandt (Winnipeg, MB) each registered four kills.

Playmaking duties were split on the evening, with Jill Batsford (Kingston, ON) earning 10 assists and Brooke Young (Chestermere, AB) picking up nine.

Larsen had two blocks at the net, along with Madison Harvey (Ajax, ON) who sent the ball back twice in her first career OCAA regular season game.

Devyn Fraser (Uxbridge, ON) appeared in the game, after competing all week in the 2022 CCAA Golf National Championship at Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax.

The Lords go on the road for the first time this season on Tuesday as Durham makes a visit to Toronto to face the George Brown Huskies.

OVERALL RECORD: 11-7
CONFERENCE RECORD: 1-0
NEXT MATCH: Tuesday, October 25 vs. George Brown Huskies • 6:00 PM • Toronto, ON


Stay in the know regarding Durham College Athletics and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.