Lakers split weekend series

TORONTO – The Nipissing University Lakers volleyball squads suffered the same fate as they recorded a win against Sheridan but fell to division rival Humber College in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association weekend volleyball action.

The Lady Lakers went the distance in both matches as they edged Sheridan 3-2 (24-26, 25-21, 15-25, 25-17, 15-9) Friday night and lost to Humber 3-2 (21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 11-15).

“It was not our most memorable match,” said head coach Marc LaRochelle referring to five set marathon against the Bruins.

“You have to give Sheridan a lot of credit. They certainly wanted to win more then we did.”

Stefanie Hancock led the Lakers offense with 17 points, while Jessica Bigelow added 15 and Laura Hudson had 12.

Sunday the Lady Lakers rallied from a 0-2 deficit and had control of the final set 7-1 but let it slip away as the Hawks outscored the Lady Lakers 14-4 after that point.

“Anytime you are leading 7-1 in a race to 15 it is very disappointing to be on the losing end. I think our teams inexperience showed as we found ourselves getting away from our game plan and Humber executed better then we did down the stretch. It’s a tough pill to swallow right now however we must re-focus and prepare for some strong competition this weekend,” added LaRochelle

Hancock once again led the Lakers attack with 16 kills and one ace while Laura Hudson added 10 kills and four stuff blocks.

On the men’s side the Lakers made quick work of the Bruins sweeping them aside 3-0 (25-16, 26-22, 25-19) to record their second victory of the season.

Lakers fourth year left side Seamus Strutt led the offense with 13 kills and 5 aces and Eric Yung added 8 kills and 2 blocks.

Saturday was a different story as the Lakers were swept by Humber 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-18).

The Lakers Yung led the offense with 9 points while Strutt added eight.

The Lakers will be back in action as they open the season at home against the Niagara Knights Saturday and entertain the Mohawk Mountaineers Sunday. The Lady Lakers kick things off at 12:00 followed by the men at 2:00 PM. The Lady Lakers will also be unveiling their division and championship banners Saturday prior to the start of the game.

Submitted to BayToday.ca