By Hannah Thompson

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women’s volleyball team opened their Ontario University Athletics (OUA) regular season with a commanding 3-0 sweep over the York University Lions on Thursday night at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC).

Playing in front of one of the loudest home crowds of the year for TMU’s Block Party Night, the Bold fed off the energy early and never looked back, taking the match 29-27, 25-11 and 25-22. 

Coming off a preseason loss to the Waterloo University Warriors, TMU showed poise in their home opener, rallying late in the first set before dominating the second behind a surge of aces and aggressive serving runs.

Third-year outside hitter Kaiya Krahn delivered a historic performance, setting a TMU record for most points in a three-set match. She also tied her career high of 10 digs, while adding 16 kills and five aces in the win.

Head coach Dustin Reid praised her breakout, saying that “she’s probably leading the nation in scoring after one match.”

“She’s scored a lot of big points,” said Reid. “We weren’t always in control, but when we gave it to her, she found a way to score. She’s worked so hard, and while we’d like to balance things out a little more, when one player steps up, it lifts the entire team.”

The night began with a tightly contested first set that saw the Bold edge out York 29-27 after several clutch kills and a late kill from second-year middle Julia Breen. The confidence from that win carried into the second set, where TMU opened on a blistering 10-1 run and never let up. Second-year middle Ayla Cross recorded back-to-back aces as the Bold stormed to a 25-11 win.

In the third, TMU closed out the match 25-22, weathering a late York push with key contributions from Krahn and first-year setter/libero Mattea Di Bacco, who helped steady the team’s passing game.

Reid credited the Block Party atmosphere for giving the group an extra spark. “It was an amazing atmosphere,” he said. “Our players really appreciated getting to play in front of people who were excited to watch them. To open the season at home like this—it’s something special.”

Reid also noted the importance of composure for such a young roster after pulling out two close sets. 

“That first set was huge for us,” he said. “It settled everyone down. This group worked incredibly hard in the preseason; probably one of the hardest-working teams I’ve had and to see that pay off tonight is really rewarding.”

Looking ahead, Reid said maintaining energy and professionalism will be key in Friday’s rematch against York. 

“It’ll be a different vibe tomorrow,” he said. “York’s a talented, young team, and we know we’ll see their best. For us, it’s about staying consistent and keeping our momentum.”

UP NEXT: The Bold will host the York University Lions again on Oct. 24 at the MAC. First serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.