WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL: KESSLER AND ILLINGWORTH EARN OUA SECOND TEAM ALL-STAR NOD

There were countless successes this year for the Nipissing Lakers women’s volleyball team, as they wrapped up a very strong 2021-22 OUA season.

The Lakers qualified for the playoffs for the first time, they picked up their first playoff win as a member of the OUA and they saw themselves sitting on top of the East Division for a few weeks early in the season.

Their campaign ended this past weekend at the hands of the nationally ranked Toronto Varsity Blues, but it didn’t dampen an outstanding year.

And on top of the team and program success, the Lakers had a pair of athletes honoured for their strong seasons.

Outside hitter Shayla Kessler and setter Rebecca Illingworth were both named OUA Second Team All-Stars after leading the Lakers offensively this year.

Shayla Kessler – Second Team All-Star
#7
Outside Hitter
Winnipeg, MB

Kessler was once again a force for the Lakers, as she capped off her impressive career.

The Winnipeg, MB native posted 100 kills, 18 aces and 126 points, leading Nipissing in all three categories.

She also tallied 3.3 points per set, a team-best as well.

Kessler sat just outside the top 10 in the OUA in kills, kills per set, points and points per set.

The veteran outside hitter hit double digits in kills five times, with a season-high 23 coming against Trent in the regular season finale.

Rebecca Illingworth – Second Team All-Star
#2
Setter

Kanata, ON

Illingworth had her season cut short due to injuries, however, she had a strong first half, picking up at least 16 assists in six straight matches before Christmas.

Her season-high came in a victory against Trent during the season’s opening weekend, where she recorded 29 assists.

In total, the Kanata, ON native picked up 132 assists, averaging 6.29 assists per set and added 25.5 points during six matches.