LIONS PUSH TOP RANKED MARAUDERS TO FOUR SETS, BUT FALL IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE

The York University Lions men’s volleyball team returned home to Tait McKenzie Centre for their final game of the season, where they hosted the McMaster Marauders. Following a challenging loss to the Windsor Lancers last week, resulting in a weekend split, the Lions are determined to secure a seventh win.

This match holds special significance for the Lions as it marks the farewell to the graduating member of the team. William Deschamps, the sole graduate from the York University Men’s team this year, received pre-game shout-outs and was presented with flowers. He also had the opportunity to take photos with his family, receiving applause and cheers from the audience in recognition of his contributions to the team.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The set began with McMaster demonstrating their dominance taking the lead early but kills from Alex Ko, Alex Dorling and Daniel Lafleur helped close the gap, resulting in a 7-7 tie. The teams remained neck-and-neck until York started gaining momentum after the 11-11 tie, with McMaster’s errors allowing York to take a 17-14 lead. Alex Ko and Dennis Cota set the tone for victory with their kills, pushing York’s lead to 24-16. With a final kill from Dorling, the Lions secured the first set 25-18, taking the overall game to 1-0.

• The next set mirrored the beginning of the first, with the guests continuing to dominate. Dorling’s kill got York on the scoreboard at 7-1, trailing by six points. Lafleur attempted to narrow the gap to 10-5, but the guests still led by five. Shaun Schonert made another kill later in the game, but it was too late to mount a comeback by then. With the score at 24-12, the Lions trailed by 12. The Marauders took the second set 25-12, leaving the overall game tied at 1-1.

• The third set began with McMaster immediately taking the lead, but York slowly caught up and closed the gap with the help of Dorling’s kill at 10-9. With an error from the Marauders, York evened the score at 11-11, giving them a fighting chance. As the scoreboard read 17-14, the tables turned, and York took a three-point lead. McMaster quickly caught up, but a kill from Jasraj Nijjar helping the Lions maintain a lead of 19-18. Lafleur assisted the Lions in gaining the final points, making it 23-22. However, McMaster secured the win at 25-22.

• McMaster continued to maintain their stride, with Dorling scoring one for the Lions in an effort to narrow the gap, followed by Richard Housen Jr’s strike making it 5-2, with the hosts still trailing by 3. Despite Cota’s attempt to close the distance at 10-5, York remained behind by 5 points. Cota once again tried to give York a fighting chance at 18-11, but the gap continued to widen. Sam Jansen made his first kill of the game in an effort to revive York at 21-13. However, McMaster eventually secured the win with a final score of 25-15, resulting in a 3-1 victory in the overall game.

LOOKING AHEAD:

With the Lion’s loss tonight, they need Trent to beat Nipissing tomorrow, Saturday Feb 17 at 6:00pm, in order to qualify for the playoffs. If not, fans will be able to see the Lions back in action next season!