Another historic season is in the books for the Nipissing Lakers men’s volleyball team after the 2021-22 OUA season wrapped up this past weekend.
The Lakers found themselves on top of the East Division standings for much of the season, were nationally ranked for multiple weeks and put together one of the most impressive campaigns in the program’s history.
The Lakers fell short in the post-season, however, falling to the Queen’s Gaels in the Division Semi-Finals, cutting short their playoff run.
While team success remains at the forefront of the program’s focus, the Lakers had a trip of athletes rewarded for their outstanding seasons.
Jackson Young, Tyrus Cuculick and Thomas Wrigley were all honoured by the OUA for their successful 2021-22 year.
Jackson Young – First Team All-Star
#15
Outside Hitter
Etobicoke, ON
The team’s top scorer, Young had an unreal season, leading the Lakers – and the OUA in a number of categories, cementing himself as one of the top players in the country.
Young hit double digits in kills in six of his eight matches and double digits in points in seven of eight.
He capped off the regular season with 22 kills and 30 points.
The Etobicoke, ON native ranked third in the OUA and 10th in the country in kills per set and was first in aces per set.
He total 104 kills, 142.5 points and tacked on 25 service aces in eight matches and 26 sets.
Tyrus Cuculick – Second Team All-Star
#8
Outside Hitter
Sudbury, ON
Cuculick had a breakout season for the Lakers, posting some strong numbers, while giving Nipissing the depth they needed to succeed throughout the year.
He ranked second in most offensive categories and stepped up in the absence of fellow outside hitters, who battled injuries during the season.
The Sudbury, ON native posted 67 kills and 84 points through 10 matches and 32 sets.
He also added 10 aces.
On three different occasions – and three matches in a row – Cuculick hit double digits in kills, as well as points.
He also hit 10 points early in the season, making it four total matches with at least 10 points.
Thomas Wrigley – All-Rookie Team
#6
Middle
St. Marys, ON
Wrigley had a solid campaign for the Lakers in his first year.
The newcomer picked up at least two kills in all five of his matches, with a season-high coming in a win against Ryerson.
He also managed 7.5 points that match, finishing the year with 14 kills and 22.5 points.
Most notably, Wrigley was strong on the defensive side of the game and finished with 11 blocks, leading the team in blocks per set at 0.92.
While he didn’t have the quantity of some of the more veteran players, Wrigley did rank third on the team in hitting percentage.