The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball team recorded an outstanding 3-2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-22, 27-25, 15-9) victory over the Ryerson Rams on Friday, November 14 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.
The Blues rebounding after a tough start as Ryerson built a decisive lead in the first set. However, fourth-year middle hitter Adam Palmer (Ottawa, Ont.) and Kung managed to narrow the gap considerably, but ultimately the Rams took the first game 25-20.
Kung continued to excel coming into the second set, as well as Mike Manning (Vernon, B.C.) who raked in points for Toronto. The Rams maintained their advantage with the Blues keeping close behind Ryerson who built a 2-0 lead taking the second set 25-23.
The third set saw the score even 11 times. The Rams David Marynowicz (Hamilton, Ont.) put the pressure on landing some impressive kills, but Matt Stefanoff (Unionville, Ont.) blocked the Ram’s shots and the Blues landed the last few kills to take the set 25-22.
Toronto came out determined but the Rams were also eager to win the fourth set and secure their victory. Ryerson’s Greg McDonald (Thamesville, Ont.) and Chris McLaughlin (Ottawa, Ont.) were fierce attackers, however they were no match for Kung and Stefanoff’s powerful strikes and the Blues won 27-25, pushing the game into the fifth and final set.
In the final game the Blues were in fine form, taking an early lead and increasing the gap throughout. The Rams were unable to recover, losing the final game to the Blues 15-9.
Kung led the Blues with 15 kills and nine digs, while Manning recorded 12 kills and nine digs. Palmer and Stefanoff were dominant at the net with five solo blocks each.
The high scorers for the Rams were McDonald with 16 kills and 10 digs, Marynowicz landing 17 kills and McLaughlin with 14 kills and 11 digs.
The Blues return to the court tomorrow night (Nov. 14) when they take on the York Lions at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m.
For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.
