Lakers volleyball heading to OUA

Nipissing University Athletics is pleased to announce that the Lakers men’s and women’s volleyball teams will begin play in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) in September 2013.

Nipissing University’s volleyball teams have been playing in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) since 1993, when the women's volleyball team joined. The men’s team joined the OCAA in 1995.

Both Lakers teams have developed a strong reputation province wide. On the men’s side the Lakers are coming off their most successful season to date, finishing the season with a 17-1 regular season record and capturing their first provincial medal, claiming silver at home this past February.

The Lady Lakers have won seven provincial medals in a row, claiming a gold medal in 2007.

The move now brings all Lakers varsity programs to the OUA including hockey, soccer, cross-country, Nordic skiing and now volleyball.

“I see it as a natural evolution of our university and our volleyball program,” said women’s volleyball head coach Marc LaRochelle.

“We understand that it will be a challenge but it is very exciting and we look forward to the future.”

Lakers men’s volleyball head coach Eric Yung is also excited to be entering into the highest level of post-secondary competition.

“We have been preparing for this opportunity for the last few years and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Nipissing University manager of sports and recreation, Vito Castiglione thanked the OCAA for a positive relationship that has lasted almost 20 years.

“Although we are sad to leave the OCAA, it is the right time for us to move forward with this change,” he said.

“All of our varsity atheltics teams will now compete under the OUA banner and we look forward to bringing the highest level of volleyball competition in the province to North Bay. Our fans will be treated to some great volleyball.”

Submitted to BayToday.ca