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Lakers down unbeaten Hawks

TORONTO – The Nipissing University Lakers took to the road for a pair of crucial games in Ontario Colleges Athletics Association volleyball action on the weekend. Saturday, the Lady Lakers faced the 10-2 West Division leading Fanshawe Falcons.
TORONTO – The Nipissing University Lakers took to the road for a pair of crucial games in Ontario Colleges Athletics Association volleyball action on the weekend.

Saturday, the Lady Lakers faced the 10-2 West Division leading Fanshawe Falcons. The Falcons, winners of the last six matches would be a tough test for the Lakers. Despite the long bus ride and early mistakes the Lady Lakers maintained focus and put forth an impressive effort downing the Falcons 3-1 (25-23,25-21,23-25,25-16).

Megan Stacey led the team in points with 21 on nineteen kills, an ace, and a block but it was the improved play of the entire team that was the key. Lynn Danis added seven kills, three blocks and an ace while Carrie Baldwin poured in eight kills and two aces. Kelly Ramakko was a force on the right adding five kills, two timely blocks and passed a solid match. Jenna Irwin and Aleda Carr provided some great passing and defence behind the block allowing the offense to click.

"Anytime you travel into a division leader’s home court you know you have a tough game ahead,” said head coach John Jeffries. “Our team played with poise and determination tonight. While we got caught looking ahead to Humber a few times the team maintained its intensity and our overall team speed proved to be too much for the Falcons to handle. A great team effort."

Kelly Ramakko and Jenna Irwin were named the Lakers players of the game.

Sunday, the Lady Lakers were up against the defending OCAA champions and undefeated Humber Hawks. The last time the two teams meet at the Robert J Surtees Athletic Centre the Lakers let one slip away losing 3-0 while leading in every game. This game would turn out differently as the Lakers played with poise, passion and determination and beat the Hawks 3-1 (25-22, 33-31, 18-25, 25-21) to improve to 11-2 on the season. The turn around proved to be the second set when the Lakers were down 22-16 to the Hawks but refused to give up and battled to a 33-31 victory. Megan Stacey led the offense with 22 kills and four blocks while Kelly Ramakko added eight kills, one block and four aces.

"It was of great importance that we came out and competed against Humber. Humber have been on a roll this year and our team was not about to take a backseat. Out team wanted this game and it showed with the passion and desire displayed on the court,” Jeffries said


Rookie left side Brittany Partington played an outstanding match collecting eight kills and played some outstanding defence behind the block.

"The way the team battled in the 2nd set was incredible. We were down but just refused to lose. The girls simply stopped making unforced errors and were relentless on defense. We didn’t lose one scramble or long rally which I am very proud of. We just need to be ready to play every time we step on the court and keep our focus on the goals ahead." added Jeffries.

The Lakers player of the game was Brittany Partington.

On the men’s side the Lakers faced a tough test as they took to the court Saturday with the 8-2 Falcons. The Lakers, on the strength of some solid defence, took the first set 29-27. The second set was equally close however missed serves proved costly as the Falcons won the set 25-23. The loss seemed to take the momentum away from the Lakers as the Falcons rolled over the Lakers in the third set 25-14. In what seemed to be a repeat of the third set, the Lakers were down 23-16 when they started to roll and battled to make a very entertaining final set. However the squad came up short losing 31-29.

"We are not valuing every point in the game. We are waiting until we are behind before we start playing and you can't do that against the top teams in the league," said head coach Duane Culin. “We need to find that sense of urgency at the beginning of the match and not when it's too late.”

Eric Yung led the offense with 12 kills and two stuff blocks while Clint Gore added eight kills, one block and an ace.

The Lakers player of the Game was Eric Yung.

Sunday the Lakers schedule didn’t get easier as they faced the Central West division leaders and undefeated Humber Hawks. The Lakers were looking for consistent intensity from its squad but the Lakers didn’t put forth the effort needed to defeat the Hawks. Humber won the match 3-0 (25-15, 26-24, 25-15).

"It seems like we have anywhere from 2-3 players playing well at a given time. Each player needs to step up and start giving this team solid performances every time they step on the court. We will need 5-6 players playing well at a time if we are still expecting make provincials.” said Culin

Ian Dunville scored 5 kills and two blocks to lead the Lakers offense while Ian Sharp and Jonathan Bushey had 6 points.

There were some bright performances over the weekend for the Lakers. Jacob Carr set two smart games this weekend and he gave the hitters every opportunity to score. Carr was named the Lakers player of the game.

The Lakers will be action on the weekend as they wrap the regular season schedule. The men play George Brown Saturday at 12 p.m. Both teams will be in action against Mohawk on Sunday. The women play at 12 p.m. followed by the men at 2 p.m.

Submitted to BayToday.ca


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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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