Lakers mens squad sweeps weekend series

In Ontario Colleges Athletic Association volleyball action the Nipissing Lakers men team swept a pair of weekend games while the Lady Lakers were edged by the Mohawk Mountaineers.

Saturday, the Lakers beat George Brown 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-21) to improve their regular season record to 8 wins and 4 loses. Clint Gore led the Lakers offense with 11 kills, 3 blocks and an ace while Ian Sharp added six kills, two blocks and an ace. Ian Dunville had three kills, two blocks and two service aces. Lakers middle Ian Sharp was named the East Side Mario’s player of the game.

Sunday, the Lakers would get an inspired performance as they downed Mohawk 3-0 (32-30, 25-20, 25-23). The first set was tremendous battles that saw the lead exchange frequently and the break came when the Lakers went up 31-30 and closed it out when the Mohawk middle player hit the ball in the net to give the Lakers the set. The Lakers never relinquished the momentum and played some solid defence behind the block.

“This is the performance we have been waiting for all season.” said head coach Duane Culin.

“It is the first time when everything came together: defense, hitting, blocking and intensity. Mohawk is a very strong opponent and to win in straight sets is a great confidence booster leading into our cross over match. Despite the win today, next weekend is biggest game of the season. We are one win away from attaining our goal, the provincial championships.”

Eric Yung led the offence with 17 kills, while rookie left side Seamus Strutt added nine kills, one block and two aces. Clint Gore had 7 kills, and two blocks and setter Jacob Carr was named the East Side Mario’s player of the game.

The Lady Lakers on the other hand put in a lackluster performance and despite a late surged were edged 3-2 (26-24, 25-18, 23-25, 23-25, 15-13) by the Mountaineers.

“We simply didn’t come out to play today,” said head coach John Jeffries.

“We were extremely flat from the first whistle and our poor passing caused us all kinds of problems on the offensive side. We must learn that teams are gunning for us and we better be ready to play every time we step on the court or we will not accomplish our season goals.”

Megan Stacey led the offence with sixteen kills, five blocks and one ace while Lynn Danis added eight kills, a block and an ace.

Lady Laker’s setter Michelle Irwin was selected the East Side Mario’s player of the game.

Submitted to BayToday.ca