OVA News

NORTH BAY, ON – The Nipissing Lakers volleyball teams are set to return to the hard court for the first time in 2012 with a pair of home games.

The Nipissing Lady Lakers (8-1), currently ranked second in the OCAA and 11th nationally will look to add to their five game winning streak this weekend. The Lady Lakers only blemish this season came at the hands of their West Division rivals the Humber Hawks. The clash of the West Division Titans who have met in the provincial finals the past six years is scheduled for Sunday with the annual Pots and Pans day taking place. Fans are encouraged to bring their noise makers.

The Lady Lakers will first have to take care of business against the Redeemer Royals. The Royals (4-6) have struggled to find consistency this year however the last time the two teams faced off Redeemer played very well.

On the men’s side the Lakers are undefeated in regular season play sporting a perfect 9-0 record are ranked 1st the OCAA, 7th nationaly and will look to continue their winning ways. With that being said the Lakers will have a tough task ahead of them as both the Redeemer Royals and Humber Hawks are formidable opponents.

The Royals (6-4) currently sit sixth in the strong West Division standing and will be hungry to move up. If their previous meeting is any indication then fans will be in for a treat as the match went the distance with the Lakers coming out on top 3-2.

Sunday the Lakers and Hawks (10-1) will renew a long standing rivalry that will see the top two teams in the OCAA battle it out. In regular season play the Lakers played a strong match defeating Humber 3-1 however the Hawks exacted some revenge over the holidays defeating the Lakers at the Limoilou tournament.

Game times are schedule for 12pm for the women and 2 pm for the men on both days.

–
Marc LaRochelle
Nipissing University
Tel: (705) 474-3461 X 4539
Fax: (705) 474-6323
nulakers.ca

NORTH BAY, ON – December 17, 2011 – The North Bay Youth Volleyball Club was represented by a pair of U14 club teams at the OVA Challenge Cup which took place at Nipissing University December 17^th. The Lakers Green captured a silver medal while the Lakers Blue finished 7^th.

In pool play the Lakers Green team finished first in their pool, defeating the Georgetown Impact 25-14, 25-18 and Toronto’s Premiere Pursuit 25-18, 25-10.

Quarter-final action saw an all North Bay match as the Lakers Green defeated the Lakers Blue 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals where they swept the Georgian Cubs 2-0 to advance to the finals.

In the finals the Lakers Green suffered their first loss of the day at the hands of a strong Interclub team from Toronto 2-0 to claim a silver medal on home soil.

Members of Lakers Green include: Coaches: Tina VanMierlo, Leslie Stickle and Courtney Lester, Players: Jessica Gribbon, Tamara Wilkiinson, Mikeala Guillemette, Kennedy Kramp, Rebecca Gough, Holly Macie, Megan Stickle, Emilie Lachance, Sophie Chopra, Ashley Whitehead, Alyssa Randall.

The Lakers Blue team finished second in pool play after sweeping the Elites Inferno and being swept by the eventual tournament champions Interclub Black. The Lakers then scored a come from behind victory to defeat the Orillia Sun 2-1 (20-25, 25-18, 15-5) to advance to the quarters.

Team Blue members include Coaches: Gerry Dupelle and Zachary Halwachs, Players: Dominique Godin, Allie Fairbarn, Sabrina St.Jacques, Karleigh Miness, Katherine Jones, Kaitlyn Jackson, Samantha Murphy, Cara Guy, Alison Brazeau, Marianne Thayer, Cassie l’Ami.

NORTH BAY, ON – January 14, 2012 – A winter storm reeked some havoc on the 19^th annual Lakers Volleyball Classic as 7 teams were forced to pull out and one team added however when all was said and done the Korah Colts from Sault Ste. Marie posted a 2-1 (22-25, 25-13, 15-12) come-from-behind victory over St. Charles from Sudbury to claim their first Lakers Volleyball Classic Tournament Title.

Korah reached the finals by defeating Collingwood Collegiate Institute coach by Lady Lakers Alumni Aleda Carr  2-0 while St. Charles defeated locals Chippewa Secondary School 2-0.

The Confederation Chargers defeated the Lasalle Lancers 2-0 (26-24, 25-23) to claim the Consolation Final.

Confederation advanced the Consolation Finals by sweeping North Bay’s Algonquin while Lasalle swept Sault Ste Mary’s Saint Mary’s College.

“Despite the havoc the weather caused on Friday I am really pleased with the tournament.” Said Lady Lakers head coach Marc LaRochelle. “Coaches were very understanding and flexible and both the Championship and Consolation games were very entertaining.”

Nipissing was able to showcase its new facility and all teams had a chance to play on the Lakers feature court.

The Lady Lakers will now have to focus on the task at hand. This weekend the Redeemer Royals and West Division rivals the Humber Hawks this weekend as the Lakers resume regular season play. The traditional Pots and Pans game against Humber should create a great atmosphere as both teams continue their long standing rivalry.

Game times are at 12 pm for the women followed by the men at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

OSHAWA, Ont. – The Humber Hawks proved why they are the top ranked team in Ontario at the 24th annual Adidas Cup Tournament on the January 8th weekend as they won their fourth straight title at Durham College.

The Hawks defeated to No. 2 OCAA ranked Cambrian Golden Shield 3-1 in the championship game. Set scores were 25-18, 25-11, 24-26 and 25-14 in favour of the Hawks.

Nina Carino of Humber was named the tournament MVP, while teammates Rebecca Sobie and Teresa George were all-stars. Humber advanced to the finals after a perfect 10-0 round robin and a 3-0 sweep over Sheridan College in the semi-finals.

In what was considered the match of the tournament, Cambrian advanced to the finals with a 3-2 victory over the CMU Blazers from Winnipeg, MB. Cambrian won the opening two sets in the match, but CMU came back with two wins of their own to take the match to a fifth set. Cambrian managed to put an end to the comeback with an exciting 15-12 win.

Other all-stars at the event included Kelsey Fielding and Jillian Shell of Cambrian, Danielle Simpson from Sheridan and Evelyn Kampen from CMU.

The Humber College volleyball programs have had plenty of success at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, as the men’s and women’s teams have combined to win the last eight Adidas Cup titles.

The host Durham Lords finished in eighth place at the tournament as they were defeated by Georgian 3-0 in the playoffs.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Championship Game
Humber defeated Cambrian 3-1 (25-18, 25-11, 24-26, 25-14)

Semi-Finals
Humber defeated Sheridan 3-0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-12)
Cambrian defeated CMU 3-2 (25-21, 25-22, 17-25, 15-25, 15-12)

Fifth Place Game
Niagara defeated St. Clair 3-2 (15-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22, 15-11)

Seventh Place Game
Georgian defeated Durham 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-21)

ADIDAS CUP AWARDS

MVP
Nina Carino (Humber)

All-Stars
Teresa George (Humber)
Rebecca Sobie (Humber)
Kelsey Fielding (Cambrian)
Jillian Shell (Cambrian)
Danielle Simpson (Sheridan)
Evelyn Kampen (CMU)

ROUND ROBIN

Pool A
Humber defeated Fleming 2-0 (25-10, 25-14)
St. Clair defeated Georgian 2-0 (25-23, 25-21)
Cambrian defeated Mohawk 2-0 (25-8, 25-13)
Humber defeated Georgian 2-0 (25-12, 25-16)
Mohawk defeated Fleming 2-0 (25-10, 25-17)
Cambrian defeated St. Clair 2-0 (25-11, 25-17)
Humber defeated Mohawk 2-0 (25-15, 25 19)
Georgian defeated Cambrian 2-0 (28-26, 25-21)
St. Clair tied Fleming 1-1 (25-15, 25-17)
Humber defeated Cambrian 2-0 (25-12, 25-19)
St. Clair tied Mohawk 1-1 (21-25, 25-19)
Georgian tied Fleming 1-1 (25-18, 25-27)
Humber defeated St Clair 2-0 (26-24, 25-22)
Cambrian defeated Fleming 2-0 (25-18, 25-18)
Mohawk tied Georgian 1-1 (25-15, 13-25)

Standings
Humber 10-0
Cambrian 6-4
St. Clair 4-6
Mohawk 4-6
Georgian 4-6
Fleming 2-8

Pool B
Sheridan defeated Durham 2-0 (25-15, 25-22)
CMU defeated Niagara 2-0 (32-30, 25-21)
Loyalist tied Canadore 1-1 (25-21, 25-17)
Niagara defeated Durham 2-0 (25-16, 28-26)
Sheridan defeated Loyalist 2-0 (26-24, 25-19)
CMU defeated Canadore 2-0 (25-15, 25-10)
Durham defeated Loyalist 2-0 (25-21, 25-18)
Niagara defeated Canadore 2-0 (25-17, 25-16)
CMU defeated Sheridan 2-0 (25-17, 25-22)
Durham tied Canadore 1-1 (25-20, 18-25)
CMU defeated Loyalist 2-0 (25-18, 26-24)
Niagara tied Sheridan 1-1 (20-25, 25-19)
CMU tied Durham 1-1(25-8, 20-25)
Sheridan defeated Canadore 2-0 (25-17, 25-21)
Loyalist tied Niagara 1-1 (25-15, 22-25)

Standings
CMU 9-1
Sheridan 7-3
Niagara 6-4
Durham 4-6
Loyalist 2-8
Canadore 2-8

Volleyball Canada has recently received confirmation of the dates for the NORCECA (North and Central America and Carribean) Women’s Continental Olympic Qualification Tournament.

The competition was initially scheduled for this week, but was postponed due to financial difficulties of the host. The event will remain in Tijuana, Mexico, and is now scheduled for April 29 – May 5, 2012.

The event will feature the highest ranked teams in the NORCECA Zone. This includes Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico and two others. The winner will qualify for the London Olympics. The USA, who qualified for the Olympics by finishing second at the World Cup in Japan in November, will not compete in Tijuana.

After receiving notification of the event postponement, several Canadian athletes that had planned on staying in Winnipeg and training through to the initial qualifier dates in January, immediately began looking for contract opportunities overseas. Others planned to remain in Winnipeg throughout the winter to continue training and preparing for this ultimate goal of Olympic qualification.

Below is an update on the whereabouts of athletes that could be among the roster of twelve that will compete in the qualifier in April:

Sarah Pavan (Kitchener, ON) – Villa Cortese (Italy)
Marisa Field (Kelowna, BC) – Envacom Volleys Sinsheim (Germany)
Nadine Alphonse (Montréal, QC) – FKB Volley Duedingen (Switzerland)
Marie-Pier Murray-Methot (Québec City, QC) – Val-de-Travers (Switzerland)
Tammy Mahon (Holland, MB) – Envacom Volleys Sinsheim (Germany)
Liz Cordonier (Vancouver, BC) – LP Viesti (Finland)
Colette Meek (Sherwood Park, AB) – Svedala VBK (Sweden)
Lucy Charuk (Tsawwassen, BC) – Zok Split 1700 (Croatia)
Kyla Richey (Roberts Creek, BC) – University of British Columbia
Julie Young (Red Deer, AB) – pending contract in Pieksamaki (Finland)
Brittney Page (Vernon, BC) – pending contract in Sweden
Tasha Holness (Calgary, AB) – pending contract in Indonesia

Those remaining in Winnipeg to train from January through to the qualifier in April are:

Claire Hanna (Calgary, AB)
Tiffany Dodds (Lucky Lake, SK)
Jennifer Hinze (Vancouver, BC)
Tonya Mokelki (Weyburn, SK)

Carla Bradstock (Richmond, BC) will return to Winnipeg in early March to train through to the qualifier in April.

For more information:
John Blacher
Director of Operations
Team Canada women’s volleyball centre
Tel:(204) 474-7210
E-mail: jblacher@volleyball.ca

The Ryerson Rams women’s volleyball team spent a week in Agua Prieta, Mexico from December 16-23, where they took part in a humanitarian effort along with the charity foundation Rancho Feliz.

Head Coach Dustin Reid commented on the team’s trip over the holidays:

“We had a terrific trip to Agua Prieta. Our hosts Rancho Feliz and the people of Agua Prieta and Sonora province were so wonderful to partner with. I felt the current make-up of our team would especially benefit from this type of experience. The people that we had the opportunity to meet and interact with had so much to teach us. Seeing the hard work and dignity of so many people who are trying to make a better life for their family has had a profound impact on myself and the rest of our team.”

The Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation has worked on the border since 1987, and is a multi-national, secular, non-profit organization that believes in the democratic redistribution of opportunity. The foundation has changed thousands of lives on both sides of the border with about 94 cents of every dollar raised going directly into their various programs.

Coach Reid pointed out three highlights of the trip:

“We donated $5,000 that we’d raised through our calendar sales towards this initiative and Rancho Feliz matched our donation. With this (money) we purchased food and assembled packages that were provided to 1000 people. Each package contained enough food to feed a family of five for 10 days.”

“Combined with some training and competitive opportunities we engaged in, we planned to offer three free clinics for players from the Agua Prieta community. We ended up giving four clinics to players who travelled (from as far as) five hours from all over northwestern Mexico. In all we worked with over 150 players of all ages and gender.”

“We took part in three separate construction projects during our seven days. $3,000 that we raised through hosting volleyball tournaments at Ryerson was donated to fund these projects. The project closest to the hearts of our players was certainly constructing, from the ground up, a home for the Valdez Family, a hard working family with three young sons. Visiting the family at the former home early in the week was a heartbreaking experience for all of us. Being able to see the excitement and appreciation as they prepared to move into their new home on the day we departed was very emotional to say the least. On our final day, each of the small work teams within our group had the chance to leave a ‘Lucky Loonie’ inside of the walls that they had worked to erect. This was very special.”

Story submitted by the Ryerson Rams Women’s Volleyball Team | RyersonRams.ca

The Varsity Blues women’s volleyball team notched their eighth win of the season with a 3-1 (25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 25-16) victory over the Western Mustangs on Saturday, January 7 in London, Ont.

“Today we demonstrated outstanding focus and composure on the court one play at a time,” said Varsity Blues head coach Kristine Drakich. “Each player is committed to our goals and as a result we are competing and getting better every day. Our success this weekend was a results of the collective hard work of the team.”

Second-year rightside hitter and Ottawa native Charlotte Sider once again led the Blues, tallying a game-high 16 kills and adding 10 digs on the night.  Rookie Denise Wooding of North Vancouver, B.C., had 11 kills and 11 digs, while setter Malena Rapaport (Vancouver) added 35 assists and 10 digs in the win.

The first and second sets were see-saw battles, both ending in 25-23 favours for Toronto. The third set started the same way, with U of T holding an 8-7 lead early on; however Western rallied and consistently held a four-point lead before closing with a 25-20 advantage.  The Blues went onto regain their composure and handily take the fourth to secure the win.

The victory leaves the Blues in second place with an 8-3 record, while the Mustangs drop to 6-4 and are in a three-way tie for fifth in the OUA.

Toronto returns to the court next Sunday, January 15 as they head to Ryerson to take on the Rams. Opening serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Story submitted by the Varsity Blues | VarsityBlues.ca

The Nipissing Lady Lakers volleyball team returned home with a respectable fourth place finish at the 7th annual Innisbrook Resort Collegiate Volleyball Invitational Tournament taking place in Palm Harbor, Florida from Dec. 28, 2011 -  Dec. 31, 2011.

The Lady Lakers started off playing some strong volleyball and although the team dropped a 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-18)  decision to York coach LaRochelle was happy with his team’s effort. “York is the top team in the OUA and they are very consistent in their execution. I thought we played very well for long stretches in this match but just made a few more mistakes down the stretch that led to some runs late in the first two sets.”

The Lady Lakers second match was against a familiar foe in their West Division rivals the Humber Hawks and for the first time this season the Lady Lakers came out on top with a 3-1 (25-19, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23) victory.

In their final game of round robin play the Lady Lakers dropped a close 3-2 (25-16, 22-25, 25-19, 24-26, 15-12) decision to the host McMaster Marauders.

The playoffs would see a rematch as the Lakers and Marauders would play for Bronze. As in the first match the teams battled back and forth and when the dust settled McMaster would prevail 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 25-20, 18-25, 15-7) to claim the bronze medal.

“We had our chances against McMaster,” said LaRochelle. “The difference in these competitive matches is a team’s ability to maintain execution and focus for every point during the entire match. We made some unforced errors at crucial times that proved costly however overall I am very pleased with the effort.

“I think we learned some valuable lessons about what we can accomplish when we are focused and driven. Overall this was a very beneficial tournament and we look forward to the second half of the season.” Added LaRochelle.

Third year middle player Jacquie Dyball was named a tournament all star.

The final tournament standings are as follows: 1. York, 2. Manitoba, 3. McMaster, 4. Nipissing, 5. Humber, 6. Moncton

Story submitted by Marc LaRochelle for the Nipissing University Lady Lakers | NULakers.ca

Volleyball athletes swept the male and female Athlete of the Week categories this past week at the University of Guelph.  Gryphons men’s volleyball team member Marc Wilson and women’s volleyball team member Erinn Bickle received the honour.

MARC WILSON, MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Marc Wilson from Stratford, Ont. helped the Guelph Gryphon men’s volleyball team secure two big road wins on the weekend to start the second half of the season.  Guelph started the weekend defeating the Queens Gaels 3-2 on Saturday. During the five set match the middle hitter amassed 12 kills, four stuff blocks and a service ace against a very strong Gaels team.  The next day Wilson helped the Gryphons earn a 3-0 win over RMC tallying four kills, two stuff blocks and one service ace.  After the successful weekend, Guelph moved to 8-3 on the regular season and sits tied for second in the OUA standings.

ERINN BICKLE, WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Third year Erinn Bickle of Whitby, Ont. was a dominant force in earning the Gryphon women’s volleyball team a road split of their matches in Kingston this past weekend.  The middle blocker earned a total of 38 points including a huge 13 points in blocks. On Saturday the Gryphons dropped a very close 3-2 match with the Queens Gaels in which Bickle was a shining star tallying 25 points (14 kills, 1 ace, 10 blocks).  The next day she helped the Gryphons to a 3-0 win over RMC scoring 13 points (9 kills, 1 ace, 3 blocks).

Story submitted by Michelle Pino for the Guelph Gryphons | Gryphons.ca

The University of Windsor continued their winning ways with the defeat of the Toronto Varsity Blues at the St. Denis Centre on January 6th, 2012.  In front of a capacity crowd the Lancers defeated the Blues 3-1.  The scores were 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22.

The Lancers started off the set sluggish and it was side out volleyball for the first 20 points and then costly errors put the Varsity Blues on top taking the first set easily.

It was more of the same in the 2nd set up until about the 10 point mark where Coach Lippert gave the nod to put in rookie setter Blase Wasser.

“We were at a stale mate.  Nobody wanted to do what needed to be done to stop this side out slugfest.” Commented first year Head Coach Shawn Lippert. “  I put Wasser in there to put a fire in their bellies.”

The move paid off because the Lancers put up an un-answered run and the set went to the Lancers.   It was more of the same in the 3rd set as Wasser kept feeding Williamson and Oake for most of their kills.

In the fourth set, 5th year setter William Alexander was back on the floor and the Lancers went down 13-10 early.  Wasser again was put into action.  The Lancers rallied back and went up on top of Toronto 24-22 when a shanked ball was sent to the back curtain and Blase Wasser dove for it to save the ball and Oake threw the free ball back to Toronto.  Toronto transitioned but made the error to give the Lancers the match win.

“I just wanted to do everything I could to give us a chance to win.” Says Blase Wasser.  “Whenever Coach Lippert gives me the nod, I will do everything in my power to get us the 25th point before the other team.”

Kyle Williamson hit .400 with 11 kills 9 digs and 2 blocks.  Harrison Oake had 12 kills for .276 with five digs.  Foster led the Lancers with 10 digs.

Story from the Windsor Lancer Volleyball Club Website.