Four Queen’s Men’s Volleyball players recognized as OUA East Division All-Stars

Erik Siksna, Lachlan McBride, Lukas Kaufman, and Cole Duncanson were all named OUA East Division All-Stars on Wednesday.

Siksna, who was also named the OUA East Division Most Valuable Player, and McBride were recognized as First Team East Division All-Stars. Kaufman and Duncanson were named Second Team East Division All-Stars while Duncanson was also named to the OUA East Division All-Rookie Team.

The OUA announced this season’s All-Stars and major award winners on Wednesday. See the full list here.

“Myself, along with the whole Men’s Volleyball program, are extremely proud of the accolades received this season by the members of our team,” said Head Coach Gabriel deGroot. “These young men have worked tirelessly through the last two years to get back on court and have faced some pretty difficult situations along the way.”

Siksna (Markham, Ont.) led the Gaels with 135.0 points and 108 kills (3.09 per set) this season. The Outside was also second on Queen’s and fourth in the OUA with 15 service aces, and second on the team with 49 digs. Siksna also had 17 blocks in the regular season this year.

Siksna was named the U SPORTS Rookie of the Year, OUA Rookie of the Year, and Second Team OUA East Division All-Star in his first season with the Gaels in 2019-20. That year he ranked ninth in the conference in points (201.5), 10th in kills (164), fourth in hitting percentage (.294).

Siksna, who is a member of Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program (NEP) and was a 2020 Youth and Junior Team Virtual Training Invitees, was part of Team Canada at the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship, finishing 10^th.
“After winning the U SPORTS Rookie of the Year in 2019-20, I knew that Erik was a special young talent,” said deGroot. “Winning an OUA East Player of the Year Award in only his second year on the court is truly remarkable. Erik has contributed to every area of the game for our team, serving for points, locking down our reception, and scoring at the net, there really isn’t anything he can’t do.”

McBride (Vancouver, B.C.) finished second on the Gaels with 121.0 points and 98 kills (2.80 per set). The Outside was also tied for the team-lead with 30 blocks while also recording 45 digs.

“As the second highest point scorer for Men’s Volleyball team this season, Lachlan earned his way onto the First Team All-Star list without a doubt. In only his second year of eligibility, Lachlan’s future is promising.”

Kaufman (Stratford, Ont.) led the Gaels and the OUA with 89 digs (2.62 per set). The Libero also recorded 13 assists in the regular season.

“Lukas’ unbelievable work ethic and dedication over the last six years has paid off in every way possible. As a leader on and off the court for our team, Lukas is well deserving of the Second Team All-Star award this year.”

Duncanson (St. Catherines, Ont.) was named a Second Team East Division All-Star and All-Rookie after finishing the year fourth on the Gaels with 73.0 points and 51 kills. The Middle also had 28 blocks, 11 digs, and four service aces for Queen’s this season.

Duncanson was selected to Canada’s national junior team each of the past two summers and participated in the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship, helping the team finish 10th.

“Cole is an exceptional young talent recognized for his success this season on both the All-Rookie Team as well as making Second Team All-Star. As one of the most efficient attackers in the country in only his first year, I know that Cole’s future with our program is extremely bright.”