TORONTO – Facing the No. 6 nationally ranked Toronto Varsity Blues for the second time in as many days, the Brock Badgers men's volleyball team nearly delivered an upset falling in an exciting five set match on Saturday afternoon. Set scores in the match were 25-22, 25-19, 12-25, 22-25, 10-15.

"The big piece for us to learn from a game like this is you are never out of it, even against a nationally ranked opponent" said Brock men's volleyball head coach Matt Ragogna. "We have played a lot of teams with a lot of wins through this first half, so I really don't believe our record is indicative of what we can do. We have a lot of young guys who have stepped up in this first half and we will continue to adjust so we can compete with the top teams in the OUA."

The Badgers came out swinging in the Saturday contest as they put the home side on their back-foot through the first two sets. A blossoming connection between Brock setter Grant Reddon and middle Jacob Ferland provided a catalyst for Brock at the net, while first-year outside hitter Devin Cooney also delivered some strong swings on the outside.

However, the Badgers seemed to run out of steam in the third set and were unable to take back momentum from Toronto through the remainder of the match, though they kept going swing for swing.

Ferland and teammate Sauli Lianga tied with a game-high 15.5 points. For Ferland, it came efficiently from 14 kills on just 16 attacks, while adding one solo block and a block assist. Meanwhile, Lianga scored an identical line with 14 kills, one solo block, and one block assist.

Brock setter Grant Reddon surpassed the 40-assist mark for the second time this season finishing with 46, while also contributing to the offence with three kills, two service aces, and one solo block.

Defensively, Badgers libero Ethan Kalef was flying all over the court extending long rallies and causing trouble for the Varsity Blues attack. 

"I think on the court and off the court as a leader he [Kalef] is an animal," noted Ragogna of his libero. "He does not like to lose or let the ball hit the ground which is a big piece for us. On serve receive he is able to stabilize everyone and get us on the same page which puts us in positions to score."

For the second straight match Toronto's Evan Falardeau led all scorers recording 30 points from 28 kills, one ace, and two block assists.

With the fall semester schedule coming to a close Brock will next take to the court on Saturday, Jan. 7 welcoming the Nipissing Lakers to Bob Davis Gymnasium. First serve in the new year is set for 3 p.m.

BADGERS AT A GLANCE
Overall Record: 5-7 (W-L)
Conference Record: 2-6

Next match: Saturday, Jan. 7 vs Nipissing Lakers • 3 PM – Bob Davis Gymnasium

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