Windsor splits weekend in North Bay

The Windsor Lancer women’s volleyball team traveled up to North Bay, ON to face the Nipissing Lakers in a weekend doubleheader.
 
In their first game on Friday, the Lancers were unable to edge out the Lakers at the Robert J. Sutees Student Athletics Centre and drew a 3-2 (20-25, 21-25, 25-18, 26-24, 13-15) loss in the five sets.
 
The blue and gold rebounded on Saturday and swept the hosts 3-0 (27-25, 25-21, 25-19).
 
FRIDAY
First year Aliah Admans led the way with 14 kills and 8 digs to lead the Lancers on the offensive side. Yaila Sealy also had a solid performance with 8 kills and 2 service aces.
 
Veteran setter Nicole Woelk also added 25 assists throughout the five sets.
 
The Lakers were led by outside hitter Paige Owen who dished out 15 kills and 13 digs to bring the team to a win at home.
 
To open up the match, the Lancers found themselves down early in the set looking to find a way to set themselves in a better position. Admans would help generate some much-needed points as she jumped up in front of the Laker’s middle. The Lakers responded well in displaying their confidence playing on their home court with the crowd support on their side, yet Windsor would not back down. However, the blue and gold dropped the set 25-20.
 
Windsor would respond well keeping their foot on the gas as they picked up the first two points and display their optimism that they could turn the game around. The Lakers playing with the home advantage would end the blue and gold’s run shortly after and Oceane Raymond would cut the Lancers lead to 8-7. Nipissing went on a run the Lancer squad could not keep up with as they fought back to maintain a healthy lead, but the Lakers would win the second match, 25-20 and go up 2-0.
 
In the third set, the blue and gold found themselves on the slow comeback to extend the game to a fifth set. As the Lakers would fall into attack errors, the Lancers took advantage to put the pressure on and Aliah Admans, Jordyn Brearly, and Yaila Sealy generated the offensive spark they needed. Windsor held on to take a 25-18 win and headed into the fourth set with a new energy.
 
The fourth set saw the Lancers continue to keep the hosts on their toes as they went on a 6-point streak. Unwilling to give it up just yet, the Lakers stayed within striking distance halfway through the set. Windsor remained grounded in knowing they could perform when they needed to most and pulled off a 26-24 set win and make it a 2-2 match.
 
In the fifth and final set, both sides trade points and found themselves tied 13-13. In the end, the Lakers earned the last two points to secure the win and the Lancers draw a 3-2 match.
 
SATURDAY
Admans and Emma Shepherd led the blue and gold in offensive kills with 11 total each in a pair of impressive performances.
 
Woelk also contributed well with 28 assists and 6 service aces to bring the team to a win.
 
Windsor came out strong after Friday’s loss and went on an early five point run to take the lead. Forcing the Lakers into a timeout, the blue and gold seemed in better control of the game and prepared to dominate on the court. Admans would connect with Woelk for a kill on the left side corner that the Lakers could not react on time to respond. Nipissing would slowly come up from behind and come within 1-point to slow down Windsor’s momentum and get back in the game. However, Sealy’s kill would round out the first set 27-25 win for the Lancers and a 1-0 lead.
 
The second set saw the Lancers continue to build their lead as they proved to provide an extra offensive spark in this match. Second year middle Jordyn Brearly would chip in with a kill into the open space and keep the scoring in Windsor’s favour. As Nipissing would not back down, the squad was able to trade points and stay close. The blue and gold battled hard to settle into a comfortable position; ahead by 4-points. A long rally ended with a tip out of play by the Lancers and the Lakers tied the set 12-12. As Windsor would manage to break away from their opponent, Admans would close out the third set, 25-21 and take the second set to a 2-0 lead.
 
In the third set, the blue and gold took control from the start as the hosts began to feel the tension. Windsor showed no doubts as they battled hard against the Lakers and held the momentum. Emma Shepherd’s block shut down Nipissing with her assertiveness and the team was left unresponsive. With more effective communication and a display of teamwork, the Lancers could not be matched this game and the team cruised to a 25-18 set win and a 3-0 victory.
 
UP NEXT
The Lancers return home for their final game of the regular season on Sunday, February 12th at 2:00pm at the Toldo Lancer Centre. Tickets for the game can be purchase at the gate or in advance at goLancers.ca/tickets. The game will also be streamed live on oua.tv.