BLUES HOST CASCADES FOR HOLIDAY EXHIBITION MATCH

Hosting the University of Fraser Valley Cascades from the Canada West conference for a holiday exhibition match, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team fell 3-0 to the visitors in a Monday (Dec. 30) afternoon showdown at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.

12 different Blues players competed in the friendly with six different players recording five or more points in the limited playing time. Fourth-year outsider hitter Jayden Talsma led the way with nine total points from eight kills and one service ace in three sets of work, while first-year outside hitter Justing Peng added eight points from eight kills to finish second on the Blues in scoring for the day.

Peng was also effective defensively, topping the home side with eight digs. Third-year setter Michael Hickey guided the Blues offence with 40 total assists, while also chipping in defensively with six digs and three blocks.

For the Cascades, two players hit double-digit points as Jonas Van Huizen registered 10 kills and two solo blocks, while Nimo Benne tallied eight kills and three service aces. The pair also combined for 22 total digs as Van Huizen recorded a game-high 12 and Benne made 10.

Following the holiday exhibition and training, U of T will jump back into regular season action next versus the York Lions on Friday, Jan. 17. Then after two weekends away from campus, the Blues will return for the first home match of 2025 when they host the Guelph Gryphons at Goldring Centre on Friday, Jan. 31.