GUELPH, Ont. – For the first time in 265 days the Guelph Gryphons men’s volleyball team took the court at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre, hosting the Nipissing Lakers in their 2023-24 home opener. the Gryphons continued their strong start to the season, improving to 3-0 with a 3-1 win on Friday night (Nov. 10). Set scores were 25-23, 25-16, 23-25, 25-23.
Leading the way for the Gryphons was All-Canadian talent and fourth-year outside hitter, Jonathan Pickett, who recorded a team-high 13 kills and 18 points.Olds College transfer, Thomas Pugsley, produced 34 kill assists in another convincing win for a Gryphon team which opened up their season last weekend with back-to-back wins over the Waterloo Warriors. The Gryphon lineup saw two other U of G student-athletes reach double-digit point totals with third-year right side hitter Jacob Schweyer recording 15 thanks to 10 kills and 3 solo blocks while left side hitter Cameron Chadwick totaled 10 points. Middle blocker Joshua Glasbergen also had a productive night, posting a .364 hitting percentage and 7 points.
The Gryphons (3-0) will retake their home court with the Lakers (0-1) again tomorrow night (Nov. 11) for the second match fo their doubleheader. The game is set to get underway at 8pm following the conclusion of the Gryphon women’s volleyball team’s match with the Lakehead Thunderwolves. Tickets are available online at www.gryphons.ca/tickets, with the game also broadcast live online (oua.tv).