The first set saw the Rams being aggressive and actively seeking out opportunities for points on the court. The team opened scoring with a kill from Zoe Kuck, followed by two more by Mikayla Sherriffs. Halfway through the set, the Lakers gained a slight lead. Rams middle Ashley Ditchfield earned four kills, but Nipissing ultimately took the set 25-23.
The Rams played catch-up for most of the second set, staying stagnant at two points as the Lakers increased the gap in the score. Despite consistently strong kills by Ditchfield and Katelyn Grasman, the team fell short of a comeback and lost the set by nine points.
The first half of the last set looked even on both sides. The Rams took the lead at 10-9 on the scoreboard and fought to sustain it as long as they could. Nearing the end of the set, the Lakers managed to regain it, however, and the team’s last three points while their opponents remained at match point were not enough to impact the set’s final score, ending in a 25-23 victory for Nipissing.
The Rams will face the Lakers again Saturday afternoon to finish off the series. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m and you can tune in at OUA.tv.