Lady Lakers remain unbeaten

TORONTO, ON – The Nipissing University Lady Lakers continued its undefeated season with wins over Fanshawe and Humber in Ontario College Athletic Association weekend volleyball action. It was a record breaking weekend as the Lakers set two new records; one for most kills in a match (68) and the other for most points in a match (82) against the Falcons. Megan Stacey became the first player in the history of the OCAA to reach 1000 career points and the Lady Lakers captured its first Central-West division title.

Saturday the Lady Lakers overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Fanshawe Falcons 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-15, 15-10). Megan Stacey led the offense with 16 kills, 2 blocks and 2 aces while Tara Preeper had 15 kills and 2 aces and Lynn Danis added sixteen kills.

“We came out really flat in this match,” said head coach Marc LaRochelle. “Our passing was very poor in the early stages and our offense became too predictable. To the teams credit they battled through the inconsistencies and found a way to win.”

Sunday was the highly anticipated re-match with the Humber Hawks. The top two teams in the OCAA had a lot on the line such as the Central-West divisional title which guarantees a bye to the OCAA championships as well the number one seed in Ontario.

The game did not disappoint as both teams exchanged leads and long rallies throughout the match. The Hawks came out strong out of the gate and capitalized on some inconsistent passing from the Lakers to capture the first set 25-21.

The Lakers dug themselves a hole in the second set as they went down 10-3 early in the match which forced an early time out and a substitution which seemed to ignite the Lakers. Rookie left side Stephanie Stubbert made some solid defensives plays that allowed the Lakers to climb back and draw even at 13-13. The match was back and forth and tied at 23 when a missed touch call put the Hawks up by one. The Lakers came right back with a solid side out by middle blocker Laura Hudson and finished the set on a three point run to capture the second set 26-24.

The third game was much the same as both teams battled it out however the Lakers remained strong after twenty and closed out the set 25-23. In the final set the Lakers dominated play from start to finish with solid passing and efficient attacks and closed out the match with a 25-16 victory.

“The girls showed some heart and determination out there today. I was very proud of their resolve even when they were down. They never quit and good things always happen when you have that attitude.” said LaRochelle.

The pair of road victories improved the Lady Lakers record to 12-0 on the season with two matches remaining.

Men win key divisional match

In men’s action the Lakers were defeated by Fanshawe 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23) and defeated Humber 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-19).

Saturday the Lakers couldn’t find the intensity needed to propel the team to victory. “I am really disappointed that we couldn't pull off a win against Fanshawe,” said head coach Duane Culin.

"We were flat even when we were playing well. There was no emotion, no drive, and no intensity. It was frustrating to watch such an opportunity pass us by.”

Eric Yung led the Lakers offense with twenty kills while Seamus Strutt added 11 kills 3 blocks and an ace. Matt Brady and Gerry Dupelle both added nine points to round out the offense.

Sunday’s match against Humber featured a key divisional match-up as both squads were looking to lock up second place in the Central-West division. The Lakers have never beaten Humber twice in regular season and came out a new team. The Lakers came out strong as the solid passing allowed the Lakers to run an effective offense.

Matt Brady was the offensive spark the Lakers needed as he had a breakout game. Brady scored a team high 14 points on seven kills, six blocks and an ace. Eric Yung scored twelve points while Seamus Strutt added 11 points.

The win guarantees the Lakers a home playoff cross-over match on February 17.

The Lakers have two games remaining on the schedule. The Canadore Panthers visit the Lakers on Wednesday at 6 & 8 p.m. and Sunday the Mohawk Mountaineers come to town. Women play at 12 followed by the men at 2:00 p.m.