The University of Guelph women's volleyball team suffered a crucial loss in Waterloo tonight dropping a 3-1 decision to the Waterloo Warriors.

Guelph's record drops to 5-9 while the Waterloo's advances to 6-9 in the OUA standings. Set scores were 26-24, 25-27, 11-25 and 21-25.

The first set started well for the Gryphons as they jumped out to an early 16-9 lead, but they had to survive a late Waterloo surge to squeak out a 26-24 win.

In the second set, Guelph again saw themselves with an early lead. However, Waterloo fought back to tie the set up late with both teams having chances to close out the set. After some protracted rallies, Waterloo was able to even the match with a 27-25 win.

Set 3 was all Waterloo, as numerous Guelph errors in serve receive and defense allowed the Warriors to win easily at 25-11.

The fourth set saw Waterloo leading at the technical time out 16-10 but this time the Gryphons fought back to tighten the set at 18-16. From there, more Guelph errors proved to be their undoing in losing the set and the match 25-21.

"We weren't able to get the kills we needed late in the second set and the match really turned at that point," said coach Paul Funk. "Our team is frustrated with our inability to play consistently well, but we have to keep trying."

Brooke Lloyd led the Guelph offense with 14 points (13 kills, 1 block). Guelph's weekend continues tomorrow (Jan. 28) with a home match against the Brock Badgers at 6pm.