PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – The Guelph Gryphons men's volleyball team has been dealing with an ever-changing lineup due to a slew of injuries. But the depleted Gryphons came up with a big win this weekend regardless, coming from behind to defeat the Trent Excalibur 3-2 (25-27, 25-16, 11-25, 25-16 and 15-8) in Peterborough Sunday night.
 
Oliver Hissink, who recently moved to the left side after setting most of the OUA season, had 11 kills and 5 aces for 17 points for Guelph, which improved to 4-4. Jakson Paterson added 8 kills and 3 blocks, while veteran Zachary Newman came off the bench in the final two sets to record 6 kills and an ace.
 
OUA teams typically have their regular lineup sets within the first week or two of the campaign but the Gryphons have had to deal with several injuries, forcing head coach Cal Wigston and his staff to make moves. Rookie Gideon Dresser took over setting duties, for example, because Hissink was needed to fill in on the thin left side. Paterson and rookie Nazyr Francis did well manning the middle and Newman, who usually is unable to play the second of back-to-back games, was needed in a tight match.
 
Guelph dropped a close first set before tying Trent 1-1 with a solid second set. It was all Excalibur in a 25-11 third but Newman, an OUA Second Team All-Star last year, was the difference maker late in what was a must-win situation for the Gryphons.

 
Gryphon Take
"This was a character win. When we passed well, we were lights out. They couldn't stop us. Then we had to hang on with what is essentially a brand-new lineup, which was out of necessity. The guys have been positive (about the moves). It's been difficult for us as coaches because we've had to work hard to instruct them on the fly." – head coach Cal Wigston

 
The Record
Guelph is 4-4.

 
Next up
Queen's, Friday, Jan. 18, 8 pm @ Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre