The No. 5 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's volleyball team claimed a five set win over the visiting Western Mustangs in their OUA regular season finale on Saturday (Feb. 14) afternoon inside Goldring Centre – Kimel Family Field House.

Set scores in the match were 25-20, 18-25, 26-24, 18-25, 15-11.

With the teams exchanging sets throughout the match, the contest proved to be a true showcase of some of the very best volleyball action in the OUA. The Blues and Mustangs finished the five-set contest nearly equal in all statistical categories. However, the difference came for U of T through their ability to extend rallies utilizing outstanding effort to register 12 more digs than the visitors at the end of the five set contest. The victory marked the sixth five-set win for the Blues this season.

Fifth-year outside hitter Maxime Gratton was exceptional for U of T scoring a game-high 26 points from 24 kills, one service ace and one solo block. The pair of Hunter Arulpragasam and Ianis Toma added another 14 and 11 kills, respectively. Veteran Varsity Blues setter Michael Hickey was all over the floor finishing the contest with 50 total assists while adding 10 digs.

For the Mustangs, Cade Smith led all Western players in the five set match recording 22 kills, one ace, two solo blocks, and one block assist. Western libero Andrew Kerkhoff and setter Michael Jones also delivered strong performances with 21 digs and 50 assists from their respective positions.

Finishing with an 18-2 record, the Varsity Blues will serve as host for an OUA quarter-final match-up next Friday, Feb. 20. Further details for the OUA post-season will become available following the conclusion of the OUA regular season this weekend.