The No. 8 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's volleyball team fell 3-2 to the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday (Nov. 15) afternoon.

Set scores were: 23-25, 25-22, 25-18, 23-25, 13-15.

The contest featured significant swings of momentum. After falling in the first set, U of T rallied to win the second set by three points and commanded play in the third set to take a 2-1 lead. The fourth set was a tight contest in which the Blues comeback attempt was successful in tying the set but fell short in the end forcing a fifth set. Toronto was able to establish an early lead but the Warriors were able to complete the comeback to claim victory. 

Fifth-year outside hitter Maxime Gratton recorded a game-high 23.5 points and 17 kills and led the team with four service aces. Second-year outside hitter Iannis Toma continued his impressive weekend with 18 points and 17 kills. Fourth-year setter Michael Hickey was strong on offence with 47 assists and was a force on defence with a solo block and five block assists. 

For Waterloo, Lucas Redmann led the way with 14.5 total points. Cohen Peters was the Warriors leader in assists with 42 and AJ Nichols notched three service aces. 

Up next for the Blues is their home opener at Goldring Centre - Kimel Family Field House on Friday (Nov. 21) night. First-serve is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be streamed live on oua.tv.