The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team fell 3-1 to the Laurier Golden Hawks on Saturday, January 10 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

The Blues came out strong in the first set and held a comfortable nine-point lead (16-7) at the second technical timeout. Third-year middle hitter Adam Palmer (Ottawa) was huge offensively for Toronto to help the home team finish strong and take the first set 25-10.

Laurier turned up the heat in the second set, taking an early 10-3 lead. Blues player of the game Kyle Konietzny (Toronto) got the Blues back on track to tie things up at 18. However, the Golden Hawks withstood the Blues pressure and finished strong, taking the second game 25-22.

Toronto responded to the challenge and rallied back early in the third set.

Brad Pierik’s (Toronto) perfectly placed tip closed out a long rally to give the Blues an 8-3 lead at the first technical timeout. Tied 11-11, the remainder of the set proved to be a back-and-forth battle as both teams exchanged points. Laurier again garnered enough momentum to come out on top and won the third set 25-22.

The Golden Hawks carried that momentum over, establishing an early lead and maintaining it throughout the fourth set. First-year leftside hitter Samual Schachter (Richmond Hill, Ont.) closed out the game (25-18) with a serving ace just inside the baseline to secure the visiting Hawks.

Steven Kung (Toronto) led all players with 18 kills and 10 digs. Toronto native Brad Pierik tallied nine kills, while Blues setter Deagan McDonald (Calgary, Alta.) garnered 43 assists in the loss.

Greg Houston (Chatham, Ont.) led the Golden Hawks with 13 kills. Schachter was named Laurier’s player of the game with his 11 kills and eight digs, while Cameron Wheelan (Barrie, Ont.) also posted 11 kills and six digs.

The Varsity Blues return to action this Thursday, January 15 when they host the York Lions at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m.