Lakers ring in 2009 with wins

WINDSOR, ON - The Nipissing Lakers volleyball teams resumed regular season play on the weekend collecting wins over St. Clair and Lambton.

The Nipissing Lady Lakers improved to 12-1 by sweeping a pair of weekend matches as they began the second half of regular season play. Saturday the Lady Lakers shook off the long bus ride to Windsor and put in a solid performance sweeping St. Clair 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-22). St. Clair has made a splash in the West division this season with a record of 10-3 which has them in third place behind the Lakers and Humber.

“I think our serving was the difference in this match,” said head coach Marc LaRochelle. “We were able to hit our targets with aggressive serves and it didn’t allow St. Clair to get in a groove offensively. Our passing was also very efficient which allowed us to use our speed to our advantage. Overall it was a solid team effort.”

Laura Hudson, Stefanie Hancock and Stephanie Stubbert led the offense with ten and eight points respectively.

Sunday the Lady Lakers made quick work of the Lambton Lions sweeping to a 3-0 (25-6, 25-9, 25-15) victory.

Hancock led the way offensively recording 14 points while Hudson added 10 and rookie left side Ali Burton added 9 points.

On the men’s side the Lakers needed all 5 sets to dispose of the feisty Saints 3-2 (25-22, 25-19, 20-25, 17-25, 15-10) to improve to 5-4 on the season.

The Lakers jumped out to a quick 2-0 led on the strength of some solid net play and tough serving however the Saints took advantage of some Laker unforced errors to force the match to fifth and deciding set.

In the deciding set the Lakers took early control and never looked back winning the battle 15-10.

“We started off well, but struggled with our consistency, and St. Clair made it tough with their scrappy defence,” said Lakers co-captain Connor Edie. “It was good to see the guys come together and really control that fifth set, eventually coming out with the victory.”

Adam Leblanc led the offense with 16 points followed by Andre Leblanc who collected 15 points. Left side Jamie VanderZande also added seven points.

The Lakers will now prepare to host the Niagara Knight and Fanshawe Falcons in some pivotal divisional matches at home on Saturday and Sunday. The Lady Lakers hit the court at noon followed by the men at 2:00 p.m. at the Robert J Surtees Student Athletics Centre.