LIONS LOOK TO EXTEND WIN STREAK AGAINST GRYPHONS

The York University Lions women’s volleyball team secured their first victory of the year against the Western Mustangs, and is focused on continuing their role on Friday evening against the second-seeded Guelph Gryphons. A weekend away at Western saw the Lions split the series in a determined 3-0 thriller on Saturday evening.

On Friday evening the Lions headed out to London for a weekend series to face the Western Mustangs. York held with Western throughout all three sets, felling short in the first 25-21, attempting to battle back in the second set, but ultimately coming up just short 25-22. The Lions held strong through the contest and never let the host side gain control, but the ball worked with the Mustangs and they managed a 3-0 win, finishing the third set 25-21.

The Lions were set for the rematch on Saturday evening, knowing that the match would be close yet again. In a close 26-24 opening set in favour of the Lions and an Alisa Trubyuk decisive play, the tables had turned from the night before. Another close set being played out, both teams stayed close to one another but yet again, the Lions found themselves on top, taking the second set 25-21. Amarai Endes opened the third set with a kill, and it was all Lions from there on out. Victoria Herrington’s 9 kills on the night mixed with Endes’ 7 blocks helped the Lions in securing a 3-0 victory, and their first win of the season.

The Match-up:
Nov. 24 York (1-3) vs. Guelph Gryphons (4-0)

Game Details:
Fri., Nov. 24 vs Guelph (6:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:
York – Won 1
Guelph – Won 4

Quick Facts:

York:

Guelph:

•  Alexa Shiels is 6th in the OUA in assists (121)
• The Gryphons .283 hitting percentage is 2nd in the OUA
• Guelph averages 2.08 blocks per set (5)

Lions to Watch:

#15 MADISON SHANKS: Third-year outside hitter… In her 4 matches played, she is 15th in the OUA with 39 kills and a .208 hitting percentage, while sitting in 12th with 125 total attacks… Averaging 3.0 points per set, she has 41.5 points this season putting her at 24th in the OUA… Her leadership on the court helped lead the Lions to their first victory on Nov. 18 against the Western Mustangs.

#9 JESSICA REYNOLDS: Fourth-year outside hitter… She is currently in 9th in the OUA with 49 digs, averaging 3.06 digs per set… Her 81 receptions is 13th most in the conference while tallying 42 total attacks (59)… In the Lions first win on Nov. 18, she contributed 1 assist and 7 digs.