Lakers volleyball action

The men’s and women’s Lakers volleyball teams were in action last weekend against Conestoga and Fanshawe to round out the first half of the season.Lakers men sweep up for holiday breakThe Nipissing Lakers men’s volleyball team swept their weekend series against Conestoga 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-18) and Fanshawe 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-18) to enter the holiday break.
The Lakers now sit atop the OCAA West division sporting an 8-1 regular season record and are currently ranked number one in the OCAA and 3rd nationally.
Saturday, the Lakers made quick work of the 0-8 Condors as coach Eric Yung was able to provide some valuable court time for his rookies. Leading the way on offence was first-year left side Eric Girard, who tallied 10 points on kills.  Mike Ballagh, playing both Libero and left side, collected five points. Fifth-year right side Andre Leblanc added nine points on six kills, two aces and one block.
On Sunday, the Lakers also made quick work of the Falcons (3-6). Leading the way was left side Tom Podstawka who collected a match high 17 points, closely followed by Andre Leblanc who added 16 points.
The first half of the season has brought its share of highs and lows for the Lakers; however, the team has found its stride and the break will allow for healing time for some players in order to push for the elusive OCAA gold medal.
The Lakers return to action in early January as they head to Quebec City to participate in the Limoilou tournament.Lakers women earn split
The Nipissing Lakers women’s volleyball team split their final games before the break, sweeping Conestoga 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-22) before dropping a 3-1 (21-25, 18, 25, 25-23, 17-25) decision to the Fanshawe Falcons.
Sunday was a battle for second place in the OCAA West division as the Falcons and Lakers both posted identical 6-1 records. The Falcons, sporting most of their returning players from last season, established a strong defensive presence early on that carried over for most of the match.
“Fanshawe played well today,” said head coach Marc LaRochelle. “Their defence was the main difference as we could not match their effort. Our passing core also struggled with consistency and any time that happens we struggle with the more physical teams.  We will use the holiday break to re-charge a little as we prepare for the second half of the season.”
Brittany Ardron led the Lakers offence with 16 points followed by rookies Christina Caruso with 13 and Brittany MacComish with 10.
Saturday the Lakers used tough serving as the entire roster gained some experience against the Condors.