YORK HEAD TO WATERLOO TO FACE THE WARRIORS

The York Lions started 2024 at home with games against the Guelph Gryphons and Toronto Varsity Blues, two teams they faced right before the winter break. After a tough weekend of two losses, the Lions are heading to Waterloo to face the Waterloo Warriors on Friday and Saturday evenings.

A back-and-forth battle on Friday evening against the Guelph Gryphons, the Lions were determined to get their first win of the 2024 portion of the schedule. The first set was close, but York took it 25-23 to get the early edge. The Gryphons won the next two sets to go up 2-1 but York pushed the game into five sets after winning the fourth set 25-17 and tying the game 2-2. Guelph took set five and defeated York 3-2.

Looking to turn things around, York faced the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday. A slower start to the game, the Varsity Blues took the first two sets but the Lions fought hard. Martin Prinsloo stood out for York with 16 kills and 12 digs on the night, helping his team win set three 25-22. Pushing the game into four sets, Jasraj Nijjar recorded 33 assists, but his excellent setting was not enough to get his Lions the fourth set as the Varsity Blues won 25-22 and took the game 3-1.

The Match-up:

Jan. 12 York (1-8) vs. Waterloo Warriors (6-5)
Jan. 13 York (1-8) vs. Waterloo Warriors (6-5)

Game Details:

Fri., Jan. 12 @ Waterloo (8:00 pm OUA.tv)
Sat., Jan. 13 @ Waterloo (6:00 pm OUA.tv)

Current Streaks:

York – Loss 6

Waterloo – Loss 1

Quick Facts:

York:

• York’s 929 total attacks is 6th in the OUA
• Martin Prinsloo’s 2.72 kills per set is 14th in the conference
• Jasraj Nijjar is 8th in the OUA with 230 assists

Waterloo:

• Will McIntyre leads the OUA with 103 digs
• The Warriors 27 block errors is 4th in the OUA
• Waterloo leads the conference in errors (209)

Lions to Watch:

#11 MARTIN PRINSLOO: Fourth-year outside hitter… Appearing in five matches for York this season, he has 49 kills on 132 total attacks, recording a .167 hitting percentage… Set a seasons high 16 kills, 42 total attacks and 17 points on Jan. 6 against the Toronto Varsity Blues… He was a standout Lion on Saturday evening helping his team secure the third set victory and keeping his team locked in the game and earned himself York Male Athlete of the Week for the period ending Jan. 7.

#17 ALEX DORLING: Third-year middle blocker… Over two games played, he has recorded 18 kills averaging 2.00 kills per set and a .268 hitting percentage… He led the Lions and set a seasons high 29 total attacks, 15 kills and 16 points on Jan. 5 against the Guelph Gryphons.