The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team defeated the Trent Excalibur 3-2 on Friday (Feb. 2) evening.
Set scores in the match were 20-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-11, 15-8.
Despite the back and forth play between the two teams , Toronto always managed to gain the momentum they needed to give it their all, and they did not disappoint. The game was a balanced demonstration of both the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities, where Hunter Arulpragasam set the game-high for digs and kills recording 13 and 25 respectively. The Blues finished the night with 60 total kills, three service aces, and one solo blocks. Meanwhile, Trent recorded 51 kills, three solo blocks, and two service aces.
Following a game-high of 24 points recorded by Arulpragasam was second-year outside hitter Jayden Talsma who achieved 21.5 points from his 19 kills and two service aces. For the Excalibur, Nic Badalato set a team-high of 19.5 points, from a combination of his 17 kills, two service aces and one block assist.
Setter Michael Hickey led the Blues offense, recording 27 assists. Directing Toronto’s defense was libero Kenneth Mann with eight digs.
The Blues will be back on court Saturday, February 3 to complete their back-to-back against the Trent Excalibur. First serve is set for 4 p.m. All the action can also be caught online via oua.tv.