The York University Lions Men’s volleyball team entered Sunday looking for a split of their season-opening series with the Brock Badgers after suffering a tough five-set loss in Saturday’s opener. However, the Lions went down to defeat once again, falling in a hard-fought four-set match.
The Badgers quickly established a 5-1 lead in the opening set, setting the early tone. Despite a five-kill performance by Shonert, the Badgers were effectiive at the net, blocking numerous attempted attacks from the Lions. The visitors notched 12 kills in the set – outpacing the Lions eight – and earned a 25-19 set victory to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
In a closely-contested second set, with the game hanging in the balance for both teams, the Badgers maintained a slight edge. While the Lions did manage to narrow the margin to 24-22, they were unable to rally back, as the Badgers came away with the set victory off a service error by York to take the set 25-23.
The third was also tight throughout, but this time the Lions managed to hold a small cushion throughout. Down seven late in the set, the Badgers rallied to level the score at 24 all. However, a critical set error by the Badgers and a decisive kill by Alexander Ko proved sufficient to secure a 26-24 set win for York, forcing the match into a fourth set.
The fourth set saw thee Badgers regain momentum near the midway point of the set, taking a 21-15 lead. The Lions were unable to make a dent in the deficit late, and Brock took the set 25-17 and the match 3-1.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will continue this season-opening homestand on Saturday when they meet the McMaster Marauders. The first serve is set for 8:00 pm.