It was a game they needed to win and not only did they pick up the necessary victory, but they did it in entertaining style.
The Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team halted their mini slump with an emphatic victory over the Guelph Gryphons Friday night at the RJS Athletic Centre.
The Lakers staved off elimination in the fourth set on their way to a convincing victory in the fifth set a 3-2 triumph over the Gryphons.
The Gryphons held a 1-0 and 2-1 lead, but the Lakers fought back, tying the match twice, eventually dominating the final set to claim the win.
In the first set, it was back and forth for much of the time, but in the end, the Gryphons were able to pull away and escape with a 25-21 win to start things off.
Nipissing sent a message in the second set, rebounding in a big way and coming up with a 25-19 win to even the match up.
The momentum swing seemed to go the Lakers way, as they looked to grab the advantage in the third set, but it was the Gryphons who once again jumped out ahead, earning a 25-23 win to go up 2-1 as they looked to wrap things up.
In another tight set, it was the Lakers who showed a lot of heart as they grabbed a 25-23 win to tie the match once again and extend things to a fifth and deciding set.
In forcing a fifth set, it was the ninth time this season – including exhibition play – that Nipissing has gone the distance.
In the fifth set, riding high off the fourth set victory, Nipissing dominated.
The Lakers grabbed a 4-1 lead, extended it to 8-3 as they cruised to a 15-6 win and a victory in the match.
The key in the fifth set was the blocking ability of the Lakers, especially middles
Warren Taylor and
Steve Wood, although everyone stepped up their game in the fourth and fifth set.
Cam Branch had another impressive match, recording 25 kills.
He was joined by
Lyndon Sonego who had nine kills and
Steve Wood who slammed home six.
Unfortunately the playoffs are no long an option for Nipissing, as they received bad news from the York Lions, who needed to lose their final match.
Instead, the Lions upset the Marauders to claim the final playoff position.
Regardless, Nipissing will now look to finish the season on a high note as they conclude the regular season with a matchup against the top ranked McMaster Marauders, who are 17-2, but on a two matching losing streak.
The match is set for 8 p.m. at the RJS Athletic Centre.
