The Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team lost 3-2 (23-25, 17-25, 25-15, 25-23, 15-13) to the Brock Badgers on Saturday (Oct. 28) afternoon at the Goldring Centre Kimel Family Field House.
Third-year outside hitter Connor Vanderkuip led the way for the Blues this afternoon, accumulating 14 points, including 11 kills and three solo blocks. Just behind him was veteran Jayden Talsma who recorded 12.5 points with 7 kills, three service aces and two solo blocks. Setter Michael Hickey finished the game with 36 assists.
It was the Badgers who came out with the momentum in the first set, taking an early 5-2 lead. Toronto continued to push, bringing the score to 10-10. The two teams would trade the lead throughout the set but Brock would come out victorious 25-23.
With their first set victory, the Badgers brought that energy to the second. After battling to a 12-11 lead, the Badgers went on a 7-2 run, propelling them to a 25-17 set win.
The Blues came out to play in the third set, after going back-and-forth early in the set, Toronto went an 9-4 run. They would go on to win the set 25-15. The Badgers wouldn’t go down without a fight in the fourth set. The Blues and Badgers continued to battle, but the Blues would come out victorious 25-23. In the final set, the Badgers would go on to win 15-13.
Next up, the Blues will kick off their regular season on the road in Hamilton, Ont. as they face-off against the McMaster University Marauders on Saturday, November 4. First serve is set for 3 p.m. The game will be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.