Coming off an emotional five set match Friday night versus Queens, the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team had to avoid a crash Saturday as they hosted the RMC Paladins.
Things did get off to a rocky start, but the Lakers corrected things and took care of business, winning 3-1 to even their record up at 3-3.
The hard hitting, no quit Paladins would get off to a hot start and take home the first set, but the Lakers turned it around, winning three straight sets to take the match for the weekend split.
RMC claimed a 26-24 victory to get the ball rolling in the match and it appeared as if they were on their way to an upset.
The Lakers knew they had a game on their hands and picked up their play in the second set, but still faced a formidable foe.
RMC continued to battle, but the Lakers would outlast them and take home the second set, 26-24, to even the match up.
After evening up the match, the Lakers would take over, claiming a big 25-13 win in set three and finishing things off in style in the fourth set, winning 25-19.
While the final score shows 3-1, Nipissing had to truly earn this victory.
A tough loss and a gusty win has the Lakers at .500 through three weekends and playing some strong volleyball.
Offensively,
Cam Branch had a monster game, picking up 26 kills, while
Lyndon Sonego added nine in the four-set win.
Jack Peckham had a big night as well, earning 11.5 points on five kills and a handful of block, as well as an ace.
The Lakers will now look to continue their strong play with a single game next weekend, hosting the York Lions Saturday afternoon at the RJS Athletic Centre.