KINGSTON, Ont. (January 28, 2011) – Thanks to big games from Lorna Button of Newcastle, Ont., and Natalie Gray of Oshawa, Ont., the Queen's Gaels women's volleyball team (10-3) earned a straight set victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues (5-10) Friday night at the Athletics and Recreation Centre.

Set scores were 25-15, 27-25, 25-14.

After losing both of their matches on the road a week ago, the Gaels were able to earn their sixth straight win at home thanks to a strong passing game and solid defensive effort.

Button, a fourth year outside hitter, led all players in the match with 11 kills while Gray finished with nine kills and 12 digs.

“It was a great win,” said Gray, who was named the Queen's player of the match. “We had really strong serving and passing. Everything just seemed to click and it was just a really positive atmosphere out on the court.”

Julie Lockwood of Calgary, and Becky Billings of Ottawa, also contributed to the Gaels win with strong defensive play of their own, recording 12 and 10 digs respectively.

As a team, the Gaels had 51 total digs compared to 46 for the Varsity Blues. As well, Queen's also had five blocks to Toronto's three.

Toronto's top player in the match was Charlotte Sider of Ottawa, who had a team-high nine kills.

With the win, the Gaels pull to within two points, of top spot in the OUA East division as the York Lions lost Friday to the McMaster Marauders. Queen's also holds a game in hand on the Lions.

Queen's will be back in action Sunday afternoon when they travel across town to take on the RMC Paladins.

“RMC is a tough team. We can't underestimate them and we have to take them seriously and play our game,” commented Gray following the match.

Game time is set for 2:00 pm.