Windsor qualifies for post season with hard-fought win over Guelph

In a game with major playoff implications, the Lancer men’s volleyball team faced off against the host Guelph Gryphons in the regular season finale.

Windsor pulled off an exciting 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-22) win to finish fourth in the OUA standings and qualify for a home playoff game in the first round of the OUA playoffs.

STATS
Gustavo Siqueira and Luca Nastase each had eight kills, while Steven Abrams would lead the team in digs with 12.

GAME FLOW
The Gryphons showed a lot of confidence in the early parts of the first set, as some strong hitting helped them stay on top and in control for the majority of the first set. The Lancers stayed right behind the Gryphons, showing the home team that they were here to compete and the two teams engaged in a tight battle for the rest of the frame, but the Gryphons were able to maintain their lead and grab the first set of this crucial matchup 25-23.

Guelph would take an early lead over the Lancers in the second set, but the blue and gold would fight their way back into the game. Great serves by Nastase, and blocks by Dami Alalade would bring the set to an even 12-12. The Lancers would eventually pull ahead with a 3-point lead. However, the Gryphons would battle back as the set was dying down but Windsor would crush their comeback attempt with a 25-23 win.

The third set followed the trend of the first two sets as the Lancers and Gryphons refused to let each other pull away. Windsor led 16-14 at the technical time out, but the Gryphons responded with two quick points to tie the game up at 16.  The two teams would go point for point, with each team not allowing the set to get away from them and trying to find a way to inch past their opponent. Guelph brough the game within one at the end, but the blue and gold prevailed with a 25-23 win.

Much like the third set, the Lancers were able to build a strong lead early. The Gryphons made an incredible effort as the game was winding down, however, the Lancers were able to pull off a 25-22 win to seal the victory.

UP NEXT
Windsor will host the Waterloo Warriors in Round 1 of the OUA playoffs on Wednesday, March 9th at 7:00pm at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse. Tickets are available in advance at goLancers.ca/tickets and the game will also be streamed live at oua.tv.