The Colts edged out a thrilling five-set victory over the first-place Georgian Grizzlies, handing the Grizzlies their first loss of the season in what many are calling the game of the year. Coming off a tough 3-1 loss to the George Brown Huskies last week, the Colts entered this match laser-focused, determined to defeat the undefeated Grizzlies. Now at 6-1, the Colts take over the top spot in the East Division after victories over both Georgian and the Durham Lords.
The Colts claimed the first set with relative ease, though Georgian kept it close, ultimately falling 25-23. The Grizzlies quickly rallied in the second, levelling the match at 1-1 with a 25-21 win. In the third set, the Colts started slow but built a commanding lead before the Grizzlies battled back; however, they ultimately fell again 25-23. Georgian came out strong in the fourth set, opening with a 3-1 lead, but the Colts quickly equalized with impressive defensive plays from Pedro Casellatto and offensive firepower from Michael Corapi. The Colts extended their lead to 9-6, but a series of unforced errors and the Grizzlies' strong defence brought the score to 10-10. The teams went point for point until the Colts gained a 21-15 lead, seemingly on track to close out the set. However, Georgian—relentless and athletic—stormed back with seven unanswered points, fueled by stellar service play from third-year outside hitter Ryan Vreizma. The Grizzlies pulled ahead 24-21, and despite the Colts closing it to 24-23, a service error from Kristian Don Ruiz handed the set to the Grizzlies, pushing the match to a decisive fifth set.
During the break, Coach Timpson, visibly frustrated, was overheard telling the Colts, "This is not how we play." With momentum now in Georgian's favour, it looked as if the young Colts squad might buckle under the pressure. In the fifth and final set, the teams traded points to 5-5 before the Grizzlies pulled ahead to 8-5. As the teams switched sides, Colts fans erupted, rallying behind their team. The Colts fought back to tie it at 9, with both sides serving conservatively to avoid costly errors. Fans were treated to electrifying rallies as the Grizzlies, one of the best blocking teams in the OCAA, deflected multiple Colts attacks. At one point, the Colts set up Gianluca Righetto for four attempts; each was blocked and returned until he finally scored on the fourth. Casellatto's defence, rising to the occasion, kept the Colts in the match.
The Colts took a narrow 13-12 lead, but the Grizzlies responded, reaching match point at 14-13. On the brink of defeat, Casellatto made a heroic one-arm dive to keep the play alive, followed by a safe bump from Delewar and a powerful block from AJ Thuraisinhgam to tie the game at 14. Now in a win-by-two situation, the tension was palpable, and Colts fans were on their feet. The Colts reached match point at 17, but the Grizzlies tied it again at 18. A critical block by Righetto put the Colts up 19-18. Matsuto's precise serve forced the Grizzlies into a final attack, but a triple block from Righetto, Tuck, and Thuraisingham—capped off by Nolan Tuck—clinched the victory for the Colts, ending the Grizzlies' undefeated season in a heart-pounding finale.
By Ryan Miller
Photo C/O: Reese Kaleekkal