Nipissing Lakers Reach Final
The Nipissing Lakers men’s volleyball team walked away with silver medals from the weekend’s Seneca Invitational tournament, falling to the Fanshawe Falcons 3-1 (16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-23) in the final.
The tournament featured five ranked teams in the OCAA and proved to be a good test for the team to begin the season’s second half, according to assistant coach Craig Ash.
In pool play, the Lakers opened with a sweep of the host Sting 3-0 (25-23, 25-11, 25-23). The Sting currently lead the East division with a 10-0 record and held the top ranking for several months in the first semester.
Libero Alex Spottiswood was named the player of the game.
“We have all the tools for success and I am pleased to see our team putting it all together against tough opponents,” Spottiswood said.
The Lakers then beat the Sheridan Bruins 3-1 (23-13, 25-15, 14-25, 25-16), with middle player Adam Leblanc named player of the game.
The Lakers roll against West division rival Niagara Knights, cruising to a 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-23) victory to advance to the tournament final. Taylor Bielby was selected the player of the game.
In the final, the Lakers came out with a strong first set, dominating the Falcons, but the momentum could not be maintained.
The passing that had been so consistent in previous matches struggled a bit and unforced errors at key times proved costly.
“After winning the first set in the finals, we backed down a bit and the work rate dropped,” said first-year middle Frankie Edgecombe. “We made more errors on our side of the court that were in our control and although we ended up losing, I thought we showed other teams what we have to offer and that we are a true contender in the OCAA.”
Setter David Keo was selected the player of the game. Keo and Leblanc were also named tournament all-stars.
The Lakers have made a steady climb up the OCAA rankings and now hold the No. 2 spot in the province. The Lakers will begin their push to the playoffs Saturday when they host the Saint Clair Saints at 2 p.m.
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