Higuchi Powers Bold to Fourth-Straight Win

TORONTO – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men’s volleyball team took a dominant win against the Trent Excalibur in three sets. The 3-0 win marks the fourth consecutive victory in a row for the team. TMU’s Kai Higuchi released his power on the court today, collecting 14 kills.

Reflecting on his play, Higuchi said, “I think of myself as a very aggressive player, even if I see a triple block up there I know I’m gonna swing if I have a good shot on it. Sometimes I’m gonna get canned, but the thing is we just gotta keep swinging.”

Coach Niko Rukavina spoke of Higuchi’s importance, “He’s just such a physical talent, his arm swing is amazing and we just need to unleash him as much as we can.”

After claiming their Block Party win on Thursday against the Excalibur 3-1, the Bold were looking to improve on their performance. Higuchi got the ball rolling quickly with an impressive kill to start the game. 

The first set was tight with both teams fighting for the lead. Taylor Wenzel played a crucial role in this game setting up plays for the hitters to capitalize on. Ultimately the Bold bested Trent, grabbing the first, 28-26.

The second set continued to be a close battle. TMU’s Lyam Krapp maintained their first set energy, starting with two kills in a row. 

Carrying out key moves, Alex King had a high-impact performance blocking and killing when needed.

“My whole team just being super positive and consistent. I think everybody held a really consistent energy today and I just kind of rode off that,” said King regarding what drove his play.

After a hard-fought battle, the Bold took the second set, 25-22.

In the third set, TMU’s play was falling into place. They were able to assert the lead early and continue to build the gap.

“The first two sets were pretty close and I told them they’re gonna keep pushing but we gotta be aggressive,” said Coach Rukavina on what drove the energy in the third set.

TMU confidently claimed the last set to win the game, 25-18.

Excited about their fourth consecutive win, Higuchi said, “Feels so good, it’s the longest streak we’ve been on in a couple of years. Looking forward to keeping that going.”

King wants to build off these wins, “Just taking what we’ve gotten, like our confidence and drive and just working that on to the next game.” 

The Bold will take a short break before they face off against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday, Nov. 22.

Coach Rukavina looks to take this time to recenter and rest, “In my yearly plan it’s time to reset our systems and regroup a bit for U of T. To be 4-2 going into that bye week is awesome and now it’s some time for rest and recovery for the guys.”

The Bold will face the Varsity Blues at the Goldring Centre. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Catch all the action on OUA.tv.