Lakers fall short

Host Nipissing Lakers came up short in semi-final action at the Women’s 2005 Volleyball Championships.

Defending champions Humber Hawks cruised Friday night dumping the hometown Lakers in front of a packed gym. The veteran squad was able to win three straight games (25-12, 25-22, 29-27) to end the Lakers run to the final.

The Hawks early ten nothing lead seemed to set the tone, leading to a frustrating Lakers night.

“You can’t give up a lead like that to an experienced team,” said Assistant Coach Vance Jones. “Our girls are all first and second year kids, so there is a little lack of experience.”

However, the Lakers would bounce back and battle hard in the second and third set losing by a couple in both.

“Now it’s just a matter of refocusing and going after a bronze medal.”

Lynn Danis ripped up the court, earning her most valuable player honors for the Lakers. In a stand out performance power forward, Amanda Arlette stole the show earning her the award for the Hawks.

“They have a couple dynamite players in Megan Stacey and Lynn Danis,” said Hawks Coach Chris Wilkins. “There are young, and going to be a team to be reckoned with in the next couple years.

“Hats off to Nipissing on a fabulous job hosting the tourney,” said Wilkins. “Probably one of the best OCAA I have been a part of. It’s an experience our girls will never forget.”

Lakers will take the court again at noon tomorrow against the eighth seed Mohawk Mountaineers. The winner will advance to the bronze medal game against the winner of Durham versus Fanshawe.

The six o’clock gold medal game will feature the number one seed Cambrian against number two Humber. Humber looks to make it back-to-back championship wins.