LIONS HOST EXCALIBUR IN WEEKEND SERIES

Over the mid-way point of the seasons, the York University Lions men’s volleyball team are battling to work their way into a playoff position. Dropping both games in Kingston to the Queen’s Gaels, the Lions take on the Trent Excalibur, who sit one spot above the Lions, on Friday and Saturday evenings.

In a tight three set match, York kept the scoreline even throughout the first set, as the game was tied 9-9 before the Gaels took a five-point lead. Alex Ko worked hard to get his team back in the set 14-12, but Queen’s got ahead and took a 25-20 set one victory. Daniel Lafleur had an opening kill in set two, and the game went point-for-point once again. Tied 8-8, Alex Dorling and Lafleur contributed to a four-point streak to give the Lions the lead, but a Queen’s timeout slowed the York momentum and the Gaels were back in it to win set two 25-23. The Lions pushed in the third set to come back, but their efforts fell just short and the Gaels took a 3-0 sweep with a 25-17 set three win.

Set for a rematch on Saturday night, the Lions and Gaels again went for a tight three sets. The Lions led through the majority of the first set, taking a 20-16 lead before the Gaels made their way back to tie 23-23, continuing their momentum to a 25-23 set one win. In set two, the game was back-and-forth, eventually tying 10-10. The Gaels got ahead and the Lions tried to close on a 21-16 lead, but Queen’s offence carried them to a 25-18 win. The Lions again took a third set lead courtesy of Alexandru Ignat and Richard Housen Jr, reaching a six-point lead, 16-10. A few interrupted plays and the Gaels had the game tied 22-22, ultimately winning 25-23 and completing a weekend sweep of the Lions.

The Match-up:

Jan. 26 York (2-11) vs. Trent Excalibur (2-10)
Jan. 27 York (2-11) vs. Trent Excalibur (2-10)

Game Details:

Fri., Jan. 26 vs. Trent (8:00 pm OUA.tv)
Sat., Jan. 27 vs. Trent (8:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York – Loss 2

Trent – Won 2

Quick Facts:

York:

• The Lions are sixth in the OUA in block solo (52)
• Jasraj Nijjar is 10th in the OUA in assists per set (7.18)
• Dennis Cota’s 13 block solo is 3rd in the OUA

Trent:

• Trent’s 79 reception errors is second in the OUA
• Nic Badalato’s 52 service errors is 5th in the conference
• Daniel Austin is 3rd in the OUA in block assist (23)

Lions to Watch:

#12 DENNIS COTA: Second-year middle blocker… His 12 matches and 48 sets played has seen him record 86 kills on 198 total attacks with a .237 hitting percentage which is 15th in the OUA… Sitting in fourth in the OUA with 18 service aces, he averages 0.38 aces per set (sixth in OUA)… With a strong defensive performance, he has 13 block solo (third in OUA) with eight block assist… His solid performances on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13 against the Waterloo Warriors earned him York Male Athlete of the Week for the period ending Jan. 14.

#17 ALEX DORLING: Third-year middle blocker… In six matches and 22 sets of action, he has 32 kills for a .253 hitting percentage on 75 total attacks… Recording 13 digs, eight block total on two block assist and six block solo, he had a seasons high three total blocks on Jan. 12 against Waterloo… He recorded a seasons high 15 kills on Jan. 5 against the Guelph Gryphons.