The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team defeated the No. 3 nationally ranked Queen’s Gaels 3-1 on Friday (Jan. 12) night.
Set scores for the match were 21-25, 25-19, 27-25, 25-17.
It was an even match through the four sets with the Gaels just edging the Blues in kills and total attacks, but Toronto was able to capitalize on the Gaels 27 attack errors, as well as 26 service errors.
Jayden Talsma led the way for the Blues with a team-high 14.5 points. He registered 10 kills, two service aces, one solo block, and three block assists. Fellow outside hitter Hunter Arulpragasam finished the game with 12.5 points from nine kills, three solo blocks, and one block assist, while veteran middle John Dunning added 10.5 points from six kills, one ace, two solo blocks and three block assists..
Michael Hickey set up the offence in the Blues win, finishing the game with 31 total assists through four sets, while Talsma led the team defensively with 10 digs.
The Gaels were led by middle Reed Venning who tallied 16 points, with 11 kills, four service aces and two block assists.
The Blues return to Goldring Centre on Saturday (Jan. 13) afternoon for their second match against the Queen’s Gaels. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tickets for Blues home games are available at varsityblues.ca/tickets, while all matches are streamed online at oua.tv.