OSHAWA, Ont. – The Durham Lords men's volleyball team kicked off the 2025–26 OCAA season in dramatic fashion, earning a hard-fought five-set victory over the Loyalist Lancers on Friday night.

The home opener featured loud, pink-clad support from over Lords Nation for their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game, and the energy carried right onto the court as the Lords traded momentum swings all evening before sealing the fifth set to start their year 1–0.

Durham's balanced attack was led by Ryan McGilvray, who posted 16 kills and 18.0 total points, as well as Will Doucet, who delivered 14 kills, six blocks, and 23.0 points in an all-around dominant performance. 

Owen Lunn was a force at the net with seven solo blocks and 13.0 total points, while setter Jalen Arias orchestrated the offence with 43 assists and six digs.

The Lords combined for 48 kills, 19 blocks, and a .226 hitting percentage, overcoming 15 service errors with clutch plays in key moments. 

Defensively, Ravi Hunter anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs.

The victory gives the Lords early momentum to begin their regular season campaign, while also capping off a successful night of community awareness and fundraising in support of breast cancer research and survivors alongside the women's volleyball team.

Durham will return to action next weekend on the road with a trip to face the Georgian Grizzlies and Canadore Panthers on back-to-back nights.

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