Laker men hit with injuries

The Nipissing Lakers men’s volleyball team could be shorthanded for this weekend’s action in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Volleyball League.

Eric Yung is out with a sprained ankle and Andrew White, the club’s leading scorer, has a knee injury.

“It’s a reality, (injuries) that all teams face throughout a long season and it’s the teams that are able to overcome and battle through the adversity that come out on top,” Laker head coach Duane Culin said.

The Lakers defeated George Brown College Huskies of Toronto 3-1, 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 25-10 in their last start to put them with a 7-2 record in the Central/West division.

They play Sheridan Bruins of Oakville Saturday at 5 p.m. and Mohawk Mountaineers of Hamilton Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Robert J. Surtees Athletic Centre.

The Mountaineers have a 6-1 record in the Central/West and Sheridan is 0-8.

“We have yet to play to our potential when facing a lower calibre team,” Culin said.

“For some reason, we are unable to sustain a high level of intensity and performance for the entire match. Fortunately we have played very well against the top teams which will hopefully play in our favour this weekend,” he said.

“It’s a crucial weekend for us,” he said. “These games will dictate whether or not we have to play a cross over game to qualify for the OCAA championships.

“We are really hoping for a lot of support from the community,” he added. “It’s always harder for the visiting team to come out and perform when there is a large crowd backing the home team.”

The Lady Lakers meet the Bruins at 3 p.m. Saturday and the
Mountaineers Sunday at noon.

Head coach John Jeffries of the Lakers wants to see his team play with more heart.

“We are still making too many unforced errors and it’s hurting us,” he said. “We also have to start beating the top teams to be considered as a genuine force.”