Volleyball teams dominant heading into post season

The men’s and women’s volleyball teams put on a dominant performance this past weekend, sweeping Mohawk and St. Clair as the teams start to gear up for the post-season.Lakers punch ticket to post seasonThe Nipissing Lakers volleyball team punched a ticket to the 2012 OCAA provincial championship hosted by Nipissing, with a pair of victories over Mohawk and St. Clair.
On Saturday, the much anticipated rematch between the Mountaineers and Lakers did not disappoint as emotions ran high and the action was fast and furious. When all was said and done the Lakers put together a fine effort and took control of their destiny by handing Mohawk their fourth defeat of the season and locking up second place in the West division with a 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 13-25, 25-18) victory.
Leading the offence was Andre Leblanc with 17 points while Rick Regier and Scott Coulthard added 14 and 13 points respectively.
On Sunday, the Lakers honoured graduating fourth-year setter Dave Hudson in a pre-game ceremony with a commemorative plaque.
The Lakers were able to share court time and the players took full advantage easily defeating the Saints 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-17).
The win improves the Lakers to 14-1 keeping pace with the Humber Hawks, who also have a 14-1 record.
The Lakers will hit the road for a pair of weekend matches against the Fanshawe Falcons on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Conestoga on Sunday at 2 p.m.Lady Lakers sweep Mountaineers, Saints
The Nipissing Lady Lakers swept the Mohawk Mountaineers and St. Clair Saints to improve their season record to 12-3.
On Saturday, the Lady Lakers executed very well defeating Mohawk 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-10).
Lucia DeMarco led the offence with 14 points while Brittany Ardron and Rebecca Ramsay each added eight. Megan Gilmore rounded out the offence with seven points.
On Sunday, the Lakers once again started the match in dominating fashion with a 25-10 performance. The second set saw the team dip in the intensity level and execution; however, they managed a tight 27-25 victory. The third set was also captured in convincing fashion with Victoria Taylor reeling off 10 serves in a row to claim the 25-15 victory.
DeMarco once again led the offence with 16 points followed by Gilmore and Jacquie Dyball with 12 and seven points respectively.
The pair of victories now sets up a showdown this Saturday with the Fanshawe Falcons, who sport an identical 12-3 record. The first meeting of the season between these two teams went to the Lady Lakers, who won 3-1.  The winner of this weekend’s match will create a little breathing room for second place.  At stake is the second place finish in the West division and an automatic berth to the OCAA Championships, provided team wins the rest of their matches.
The Lady Lakers also recognized graduating players Lucia DeMarco, Stephanie Tiegs, Jacquie Dyball and Tressa Vancoillie in a pre-game ceremony in which the players were presented with commemorative plaques.
The Lady Lakers and Fanshawe Falcons will face off Saturday February 11 in London followed by the Conestoga Condors Sunday.