OCAA Men's Volleyball - Lakers split weekend series

The Nipissing Lakers men’s volleyball team came away with a split in OCAA weekend volleyball action at home.

Saturday the Lakers hosted the much improved Sheridan Bruins and came away with a 3-1 (25-23, 34-36, 26-24, 25-19) victory.

In the opening set the teams battled it our point for point and as it turned out this would a sign of things to come in this match. The second set proved to be a barn burner as both teams battled it out point for point until Sheridan managed to score two in a row to claim their only set of the match 36-34. The Lakers were able to score their own two points late in the third set which seemed to take the wind out of the Bruins. The final set was never in doubt as the Lakers took early control and never looked back.

Adam Leblanc led the Lakers offence with 16 points followed by a solid performance by freshman Frankie Edgecombe who added 13 points on 10 kills, 1 ace and 2 blocks on his way to being named the Boston Pizza player of the game.

Sunday, the top ranked Humber Hawks were in town looking to avenge a 3-1 loss to the Mohawk Mountaineers earlier in the week swept the Lakers 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16).

The first set was evenly played and featured some impressive attacks by both squads however untimely unforced errors plagued the Lakers late in the set. Humber was able to take an early led in the second with the Lakers responding to tie the contest at 10-10. Teams then exchanged points however the Hawks were able to create separation late in the set. In the final set the Lakers looking for a spark changed things up however execution seemed to be problem as the Hawks ran away with the set and close out the contest.

“Overall we played well at times and showed that we can compete with the top teams in the OCAA,” said Libero Terry Seguin. “What we need now is consistency and to play to our capabilities.”

Adam Leblanc was named the Boston Pizza Player of the Game.

The Lakers are now 3-2 on the season and will look to rebound as they host their cross-campus rivals the Canadore Panthers Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. at the Surtees gym.

Submitted to BayToday.ca