The Lancer men's volleyball team split their first weekend at home in 2018. The Blue & Gold lost a tough five set game to the east division leading York Lions 3-2 (25-16, 25-23, 22-25, 24-26, 12-15.) before rebounding on Sunday to defeat the Nipissing Lakers 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-23).
The Lancers remain in third place in the OUA west division with an 8-4 record.
SATURDAY vs York
Lancers' Libero
Matthew Pe Benito led all players in Digs with 14. Andrew Tauhid led the defensive effort for the Lions, recording 13 digs. The title of best teammate on the floor went to the Lions' Logan Mend who was credited with 44 assists for York. The Lancers'
Nolan Langley led Windsor in assists with 33. The Lions nearly doubled the Lancers' production from the service line, scoring 13 aces to the Lancers' seven.
Game Flow
In the first set the Lancers jumped out to an early lead before the Lions called a timeout down 11-6. Unfortunately for the Lions, the adjustments that were made would not help as the Lancers embarked on a 14-10 run over the rest of the set. Despite scoring one less kill than their visiting counterparts, the Lancers took the first set in comfortable fashion, 25-16.
In the second set the Lancers took an early lead again before the first time out. Sadly, no run would follow the timeout and the set remained close. The Lions made things interesting when they tied the set at 17 late, however the Lancers were able to battle with York breathing down their neck. Luckily for the Lancers they were able to keep their composure late as they held on to win the second set 25-23.
In the third set the Lions came out with some fight. Desperate not lose the match in straight sets. York took an early lead in a set for the first time all afternoon and had no plans of relinquishing the lead. The Lions kept their foot on the gas throughout the set as they built their way up to a 13-7 lead midway through the set. The Lancers dug deep and fought back to make the last few points of the set very stressful, however, the Windsor comeback bid would fall short as the Lancers lost the third set, 25-22.
The fourth set was perhaps the best of the game. The Lancers, looking to put the OUA East leaders away; and York, not wanting to drive four hours home with a loss. The Lions jumped out to an early lead before the Lancers came back and took a 17-15 lead. With the Lancers holding match point they Lions scored three straight times to take the set 26-24.
In the fifth set the Lion defense found its rhythm and began to stonewall the Lancer offence. Behind their solid positioning and solid defensive play the Lions took a small 6-4 lead. Though the lead was small it was big enough for the Lions defense to protect as they took the fourth set, 15-12.
SUNDAY vs Nipissing
Brad Gyemi was on fire Sunday afternoon, registering a game high 22 points on 18 kills and five digs.
Roland Bouchard finished the game with 12 points. Nipissing was led by Cameron Branch with 18.5 points.
More to come.
UP NEXT
Windsor hits the road next weekend to take on the Trent Excalibur Friday February 2nd and the Ryerson Rams on Saturday February 3rd. Both games are scheduled for 8:00pm.
