The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team fell 3-1 to the Ryerson Rams on Saturday, November 29 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

With three starters sidelined due to injuries, the Blues had their work cut out for them if they were going to get past their cross-town rivals. Toronto kept things close but Ryerson eventually pulled away at the end of each of the first two sets to win 25-19, 25-18.

First-year middle Killian Newman (Peachland, B.C.) came off the bench, rallying the Blues with his energetic play and helping Toronto stay in the match as they took the third set 25-20.

Unfortunately, the young Blues squad could not comeback further and fell 25-17 in the fourth set.

First-year standout Mike Manning (Vernon, B.C.) led the Blue and White with 11 kills and seven digs, while Ottawa, Ont. native Adam Palmer added nine kills in the loss. Mitchell Woodside (Clyde River, P.E.I.) and Chichky Hua (North York, Ont.) shared setting duties for the Blues, tallying 19 and 14 assists, respectively.

Ryerson was led by Greg McDonald’s (Thamesville, Ont.) 18 kills. David Marynowicz (Hamilton, Ont.) added 14 kills with Chris McLaughlin (Ottawa, Ont.) recording 12 kills in the victory. Third-year setter Cameron Bartlett (Chatham, Ont.) controlled the ball well for the Rams, amassing 38 assists.

The Varsity Blues will host two exhibition games January 3-4 before returning to OUA action in the new year against the Waterloo Warriors on Friday, January 9 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.