It would not be a stretch to think the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team could be 7-4, or even better at this point in the season.

The Lakers enter the second half of the season with a 5-6 record, but have been involved in four five-set matches, going 2-2.

Had they won all four, they would be 7-4 and alone in fourth place in the OUA, but regardless of where they could be, they are in a playoff spot and in a position to finish as high as fourth spot with a solid 2016.

Entering this weekend, the Lakers are in sixth place, just ahead of York and just behind Western – two teams they faced this past weekend at the York Excalibur Tournament.

The Lakers went 1-2 overall, beating Western in five before losing to York and Western later in the weekend.

The division is extremely close, aside from McMaster and just six points separates second from seventh, so a good weekend can really bump a team up in the standings.

The Lakers open with matches against Ryerson and Toronto, teams they are chasing in the standings and teams that defeated Nipissing in the first semester.

Ryerson holds an 8-2 record, tied for second place, while Toronto is in fourth, sitting at 6-4.

The Rams enter the second half having lost their final game before Christmas, a five-set decision to Windsor, but prior to that, they had won three straight matches and five of six, so they're playing well and will be a tough opponent to being with for Nipissing.

Toronto, on the other hand, Saturday's matchup, won their final two games before Christmas and are 4-1 in their past five matches, including a win over Nipissing.

The Lakers are a tough team to defend, with a number of key contributors throughout the lineup like Lyndon Sonego, Steve Wood, Jack Peckham and Warren Taylor, but their offensive relies on the play of Cam Branch.

Branch sits first in the OUA in kills, fourth in kills per set and first in total points.

Shawn Humphrey is a huge part of that offence as well, as the setter has been able to spread the ball around, but also makes Branch's job easier when it's time for a big play.

Defensively the team is strong as well, with libero Mike Ballagh sitting third in digs and fourth in digs per set.

Peckham is also in the top five in the league in blocks per set, sitting just under one.

The combination of scoring when they have their opportunities and making big plays on defence has given the Lakers a chance to win most matches and they're hoping to take the next step in the second half of the year.

The Lakers begin the second half with two home matches before going on the road for four straights. Following that, Nipissing will finish up the season with three home matches.

Things get underway this weekend Friday night at 5 p.m. as the Lakers face the Rams, before a quick turn around and a matchup with Toronto Saturday at 2 p.m.

Both matches are at the RJS Athletic Centre.