LIONS RETURN HOME TO HOST GAELS IN FIRST MATCHES OF WINTER TERM

It was a promising start for the York University Lions men’s volleyball team. A 4-1 start under new head coach David Ta set the tone for a turnaround season.
 
Since that strong five-game stretch to open the season, they’ve lost two of their last three (though one was a five-set loss to Guelph), and are 5-3. After a nearly five-week exam break, they return to action Friday at Tait McKenzie Centre looking to climb in the OUA playoff race. They host a Queen’s Gaels team that has lost its last three matches after a 3-1 start. 
 
While not exactly a litmus test for the Lions, these are two matches they will want to win to make the statement that they are the better team. With a pair of wins, they will move into the top five in the conference and a legitimate chance at home-court advantage in the playoffs.
 
The Matchup:
York (5-3) vs. Queen’s (3-4)
 
Game Details:
Fri., Jan. 6 vs. Queen’s (8:00 pm – OUA.tv)
Sat., Jan. 7 vs. Queen’s (8:00 pm – OUA.tv)
 
Current Streaks:
York – Won 1
Queen’s – Lost 3
 
Quick Facts
 
York:

• The Lions are fourth in the OUA hitting percentage (.276).
• York is third in the conference in aces per set (1.63).
• The Lions have played the sixth-fewest sets in the OUA (30). 

Queen’s

• The Gaels are fifth in the OUA in kills per set (11.5).
• Queen’s is second from the bottom in the conference in aces (31).
• The Gaels are fourth in the province in digs per set (9.1). 

Lions to Watch:
 
#1 LUKE DE GREEF: Third-year outside hitter… Is second on the Lions in receptions… Third in digs and kills… Has had at least five kills on four different occasions this season… Has also had four games with 20+ receptions
 
#2 JOSH FADARE: Second-year outside hitter… Leads the Lions with 127 kills… Second in the OUA in that category… Is also the Lions leader in total attempts… Second in the OUA… Paces the Lions in digs with 47.