The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's volleyball team defeated the Guelph Gryphons 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 25-23) in an exciting semifinal match-up on Friday night (Mar 6) from Burridge Gym in Hamilton, Ont.
 
The Blues will play the winner of the McMaster/Queen's match in the gold medal game tomorrow at 8 p.m. at Burridge Gym in Hamilton. Toronto also booked their ticket to the U SPORTS national championship for the first time since 2003-04.
 
Chris Towe led all players with 22.0 points in the match, tallying 18 kills, three blocks and one assist on the evening.
 
Jordan Figueira was named Toronto's player of the match as he led all players with 40 assists in the match. He also recorded two service aces and 10 digs.
 
The first set was a back and forth affair, with teams exchanging points. The Blues led by one at the first technical timeout. Evan Falardeau's kill pushed Toronto within one point of winning the first set, and Benedikt Licht finished it off with a service ace, as the Blue won the first set 25-23.
 
The Blues started the second set strong with Figueira nailing back-to-back aces, giving the Blues a 4-1 lead. Guelph fought their way back into the set early but Toronto strung together a few points to take hold a four point lead at the tech. U of T continued to click as Jasper Neale closed out the second set with a kill, giving the Blues a 25-21 second set victory.
 
Back and forth action continued in the third set but the Gryphons managed to take a three point lead at the technical timeout. The Blues brought back within one late in the set as Nichols Trewern made a nice play and followed it up with an ace. Guelph took back over and closed out the third set 25-21.
 
The Gryphons got off to an early 3-0 lead in the fourth set. They kept applying pressure extending their lead to six, but the Blues fought back, bringing it back within three. At the technical Guelph led 16-13. Late in the set, Licht came up with a couple of timely blocks to keep the game close. Toronto tied it up at 22, and a Falardeau kill gave the Blues their first lead of the set. Falardeau followed up with another kill to bring Toronto within one point of victory. Guelph's service was sent long to give the Blues the win.
 
OUA FINAL FOUR SCHEDULE & RESULTS
 
Friday, March 6
5:30pm Semifinal #1: Toronto 3, Guelph 1 (25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 25-23)
8:00pm Semifinal #2: Queen's vs McMaster    
 
Saturday, March 7
5:30pm Bronze medal match: Guelph vs Loser Semifinal #2
8:00pm Gold medal match: Toronto vs Winner Semifinal #2

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