The No. 7 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's volleyball team defeated the visiting Brock Badgers in a thrilling five-set contest on Saturday (Jan. 24) evening inside Goldring Centre – Kimel Family Field House.
Set scores in the match were 23-25, 25-22, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9.
A back-and-forth contest all night long, the Blues were put to the test in a fifth and deciding set. Brock held the advantage at the turn, but the switching of sides only brought the U of T squad out of their late match slumber. Toronto would score six straight points to completely shift the momentum and go from a two-point deficit to a four-point lead. Following a Badgers timeout, the visitors would muster one more point before a combo block sealed another win on home court for the Blues.
Three Blues tallied 19 or more points in the win. Fifth-year outside hitter Maxime Gratton led the charge with a game-high 22 points from 20 kills, one service ace and one solo block. Right behind him was fellow fifth-year outside hitter Hunter Arulpragasam who finished with 18 kills, two solo blocks and two block assists for 21 points. Rounding out the sensational trio of offensive performances, second-year outside hitter Iannis Toma registered 19 points with 17 kills, one solo block and two block assists.
Defensively, second-year middle Luka Minic was in on six blocks at the net with three solo blocks and three block assists. Diving all over the court, Arulpragasam also tallied a game-high 13 digs for the Blues. Fourth-year setter Michael Hickey registered 40 or more assists for a fourth consecutive match, finishing the night with 45.
The Badgers also reached double-digits in the win with Toby Snider topping the visitors with 15 points from 15 kills.
The Blues are unbeaten in 2026 and on home court inside Goldring Centre this season. The Saturday night victory lifts their record to 13-1, placing them alone at the top of the OUA standings.
Toronto will hit the road next heading to Kingston to face the RMC Paladins in a doubleheader. First serve on Friday (Jan. 30) is set for 7:30 p.m., while Saturday (Jan. 31) will begin at 3:30 p.m.
