LIONS IN SEARCH OF FIRST WIN AGAINST MARAUDERS

The York University Lions men’s volleyball team is in search of their first victory this weekend against the McMaster Marauders. Opening their 2023-24 season against the Brock Badgers, the Lions battled under the guidance of new Head Coach Jordan Taylor, but were unable to secure a victory.

On Saturday afternoon the Lions opened their season at home against Brock, taking them to five sets before deciding a winner. The Badgers won the first set 13-25, before the Lions managed a 28-26 win in the second set. The Lions looked more cohesive as the game went along, closing in the margin on the Badgers, falling 25-18 in the third set, however battling a 31-29 victorious fourth set. The ball worked with the Badgers who won the fifth set 15-10. Dennis Cota led the Lions with 11 kills and 1 ace, while Alex Ko had 8 kills and 2 blocks.

The Lions were hopeful to bounce back on Sunday against the Badgers and earn their first victory of the season. Another long game was played, this time being decided in four sets, and looking similar to the day before. Brock secured the first set 25-15 before York managed to take the second set 25-23. Anders Say was the leading Lion with 16 kills, while Luke De Greeff had 3 aces and 2 blocks, losing 3 sets to 1.

The Matchup:

Nov. 11 York (0-2) vs. McMaster Marauders (1-0)

Game Details:

Sat., Nov. 11 vs McMaster (8:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York – Loss 2
McMaster – Won 1

Quick Facts:

York:

• The Lions are 4th in the OUA with 222 total attacks
• York is 6th in the conference with 76 kills
• Dennis Cota is 9th in the OUA for kills (21)

McMaster:

• Robbie Fujisawa is 8th in the OUA with 38 assists
• Brendan Mills is 5th in the conference for kills per set (3.80)
• McMaster is 5th in the OUA with 33 service errors

Lions to Watch:

#12 DENNIS COTA: Second-year middle blocker… Spent the summer training with the Canadian national program, bringing his experience back to the court for the red and white… Lead the Lions against the Badgers on Nov. 4 with 11 kills, tallying 13 points and 1 ace in the match.

#15 ANDERS SAY: Second-year libero… Recorded 16 kills and 19 digs on Nov. 5 against the Brock Badgers in the Lions 3-1 loss… Is looking to expand off his rookie season where he played in 50 sets, having 50 kills and four assists.