Golden Bears defeat Toronto 3-1, advance to semifinals

HAMILTON (U SPORTS) – Fourth-year Jordan Canham, the 2022-23 U SPORTS Player of the Year, led both teams with 25 kills while adding seven digs in the first match of the U SPORTS Men’s Volleyball Championship, presented by Mikasa. The University of Alberta Golden Bears defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-20) in their quarterfinal game on the first day of the national championship in Burridge Gymnasium in Hamilton, Ont.

It was the No. 8 Toronto Varsity Blues who shocked the top-seeded Golden Bears in the opening set, but Alberta responded, earning three straight set victories to secure the win and a berth in the semifinals.

Third-year Golden Bear, Cam Kern, totalled 44 assists and seven digs to propel his team to the victory. Evan Falardeau was the offensive leader for the Varsity Blues, recording 17 kills on 37 attempts. He also added a service ace.

Alberta, the 2023 Canada West Champions, recorded a .363 hitting percentage in the match while holding Toronto to .219.

With the win, the Alberta Golden Bears advance to semifinal #1 on Saturday, March 18^th at 8 p.m. ET where they will face the winner of the Sherbrooke-Windsor match. The Toronto Varsity Blues will move to the consolation bracket and play the loser of the Sherbrooke-Windsor matchup.

Mikasa Performer of the Game:

• Toronto Varsity Blues: Davis Young
• Alberta Golden Bears: Jordan Canham