LIONS PREPARE FOR WEEKEND CONTEST AGAINST TOP RANKED GRYPHONS

The York University Lions men’s volleyball team return to Tait McKenzie Centre to host the top OUA team, the Guelph Gryphons. Following a tough weekend away in London, the Lions pushed late in their rematch game, but fell just short ending 0-2 against the Western Mustangs.

The Friday evening match in London started off with the Mustangs gaining the early lead, with the ability to maintain throughout the first set and claim a 25-16 win. York started to find their groove in the second set, but ultimately fell 25-20 and were down 2-0. Looking to avoid the sweep, York pushed strong throughout the final set, forcing the game to go into extra points, but the Mustangs had the upper hand and closed out a tight 29-27 set, winning 3-0.

Eager to rematch, the Lions took the court again to take on the Mustangs on Saturday evening, hoping to split the weekend series. Western came out strong from the start once again, taking a 2-0 set lead, but the Lions were not ready to be counted out. York led the third set, coming out with a 25-22 victory, before solidifying a fourth set victory, 25-21, requiring one more set to determine a winner. York’s run was cut short as the Mustangs found their legs and finished out the set 15-6, to win 3-2.

The Match-up:

Nov. 24 York (1-4) vs. Guelph Gryphons (6-0)

Game Details:

Fri., Nov. 24 vs Guelph (8:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York – Loss 2
Guelph – Won 6

Quick Facts:

York:

• Jasraj Nijjar is 8th in the OUA with 123 assists
• York’s 24 block solo is 4th in the OUA
• Alex Ko is 3rd in the conference in receptions (133)

Guelph:

• Guelph leads the OUA with 265 kills
• Jonathan Pickett is 2nd in the OUA in kills (88)
• Cameron Chadwick’s 25 errors is 5th most in the conference

Lions to Watch:

#3 SHAUN SCHONERT: Third-year outside hitter… In his 4 matches played, he has tallied 103 total attacks leads the Lions and puts him in 11th in the OUA, while adding 6 assists and 4 service aces to his name… His 32 kills is 19th best in the conference while hitting .087%… He is third on the Lions with 1.68 kills per set and 0.79 digs per set.

#24 ROBERT KEMP: First-year outside hitter… His first season with the Lions, he has played in 3 matches, he set a career high 4 kills, 4.5 points and 1 total blocks on Nov. 17 against the Western Mustangs, while setting a career high 10 digs on Nov. 18 against the Mustangs… Transferring his knowledge from beach volleyball to the court, he has been a reliable player that moves quickly around the court to help his teammates.