Danforth Redhawks defeated host Lawrence Park Panthers in straight sets in Toronto high school senior boys volleyball action, Tuesday afternoon.

The Redhawks (3-0) dominated the first set 24-19 and came back to edge out the Panthers (1-2) 26-25 in the second set.

Despite the victory, Danforth head coach Mark Graul wasn’t happy with his team’s play, but attributed it to his squad being tired after a weekend of games.

“Our team just wasn’t there mentally today, but we pulled it off,” Graul said. “We played very inconsistent passing wise.”

Graul was happy with Aidan Heslett for his coverage blocking and court awareness. Heslett should be on the junior team because of his age, but is a member of the senior squad because of his advanced ability.

Overall, Graul is seeing improvement among his roster early this year.

“We’re getting better as the season goes along,” he said.

Danforth rushed out to an early lead in the opening set with strong blocking at the net and some vicious spikes that were too much to handle for Lawrence Park.

The Panthers attempted to make a comeback with a number of laser-like serves, but the Redhawks play at the net was just too powerful.

With the score 20-15 for Danforth, Lawrence Park took+ a timeout hoping to regroup and rally, but it was too little, too late as the teams traded points before the Redhawks took the set.

The Panthers came out with a renewed sense of spirit to start the second set and quickly built a 6-3 lead.

Danforth battled back, but Lawrence Park continually found a way to stay ahead.

In what would be the last few serves of the contest, the Redhawks passed the Panthers 20-19 and held them off to eventually win the match.

Danforth sit atop the South Region Eastern Conference, while Lawrence Park is stuck in the middle of the pack among the group.

Monday’s results: North Toronto improved to 2-1 beating Marc Garneau; Ursula Franklin remained winless after losing to Central Tech; and Northern stayed undefeated, downing Leaside.