The No. 7 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's volleyball team claimed a straight sets victory over the visiting TMU Bold on Saturday (Jan. 17) afternoon inside Goldring Centre – Kimel Family Field House.

Set scores in the match were 25-21, 25-21, 25-21.

Even with the quick home court victory, the Blues were put to the test as they battled from behind in each of the three sets. This included a fantastic come-from-behind effort in the second set where U of T trailed by as many as six points in the early portion. Each time, the Blues would find their offensive rhythm using outstanding efficiency to close the gap including an impressive .400 hitting percentage in the big second set comeback.

Leading the Blues offence from both sides were fifth-year veteran Maxime Gratton and second-year standout Iannis Toma. Gratton tallied a game-high 17 points from 15 kills, one service ace and two block assists, while Toma registered 16 total points from 15 kills and one solo block. Adding double-digit points and double digit digs, fifth-year outside hitter Hunter Arulpragasam accumulated 10 kills, two aces, one solo block, and a team-high 10 digs. For the second straight match, fourth-year setter Michael Hickey finished the win with 40 assists.

The lone player to reach double-digit points for the Bold, Ross Buchanan led the way with 10 kills, two service aces, two solo blocks and one block assist to total 14.5 points.

Earning their 11^th win of the season, the Blues sit at the top of the OUA standings with an 11-1 record.

With a perfect 4-0 record on home court this season they will look to add to it next hosting the Brock Badgers inside Goldring Centre for back-to-back matches on Friday, Jan 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24. First serve on Friday is set for 7 p.m., followed by a 5:30 p.m. start in Saturday. Both matches will be streamed free online via oua.tv, while tickets for all Varsity Blues volleyball home games are available at varsityblues.ca/tickets.