The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team faced off against the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Physical Activities Complex in Waterloo, Ont. The match marked an exciting contest, with the Blues continuing their strong form this season.
The Blues secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory (25-14, 18-25, 25-21, 25-22). Toronto started strong, dominating the opening set with a commanding .400 hitting percentage. Although Waterloo fought back to take the second set, Toronto rebounded in the third and fourth, capitalizing on key defensive plays and consistent offensive execution. The Blues collective efforts were reflected in a team hitting percentage of .300, showcasing their efficiency in crucial moments.
Individually, Jayden Talsma was a standout performer, leading the team with 13 kills and contributing 15.5 total points. Hunter Arulpragasam and Iannis Toma followed closely with 11 kills each, with Arulpragasam also adding 12.5 points. Setter Michael Hickey played a pivotal role, tallying 39 assists while delivering four service aces. Luka Minic led the Blues in blocks, recording four total blocks and contributing 8.5 points overall. The team totaled six service aces, with a balanced distribution of contributions across the board.
Despite the loss, the Warriors showed resilience and determination throughout the match. Lucas Redmann spearheaded their offense with a game-high 16 kills and 19.5 points, while Nolan Reed added 11 kills and 13 points. The Warriors demonstrated their defensive capabilities with 17 block assists as a team, creating pressure on Toronto’s attack. Setter Cohen Peters facilitated the offense with 34 assists and contributed defensively with two block assists.
The Blues displayed their depth and resilience to overcome a strong challenge from Waterloo. Toronto will play their first home game of 2025 next weekend on Friday, Jan. 31 against the Guelph Gryphons. First serve is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., and tickets for Varsity Blues home games are available at varsityblues.ca/tickets, while matches are also streamed on oua.tv.
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