While it doesn't go down as wins in the regular season standings, it couldn't have been a better start for the Nipissing Lakers men's volleyball team.

The Lakers hit the road to take part in the 38th annual York Excalibur Tournament and thanks to a perfect 4-0 record, they claimed the gold medal, defeating Western 3-2 in the finals.

Lakers head coach Eric Yung said the win helps his team in a few different ways.

"It was a great start to 2017 for our program winning the 38th annual Excalibur Tournament. Not only did the win build confidence as we begin the second half, it was an opportunity to play four different quality teams," Yung said. "This is the first piece of hardware since entering the OUA three years ago."

The Lakers opened up the tournament with a 3-2 win over the host York Lions, before sweeping Budo University, a Japanese team that made the trip to Canada for the tournament.

On the second day, the Lakers topped Queens 3-0 to move to the championship match, where they would face the Western Mustangs.

After going up 2-0, the Lakers found themselves in a fifth and deciding set, but were able to come out on top and claim the gold medal for the first time in the program's history.

Yung said he was able to get everyone court time and that will help in the second half of the OUA season.

"At the Excalibur, we were able to utilize our depth to ensure no player was being over used over a three day period. We were able to manage court time efficiently to enable proper rest while being competitive," Yung explained of their gameplan heading in. "On the court, we used our physicality to our advantage and were able to terminate many points at the net on both sides of the court. We have quite the balance attack and our middles are very efficient on both sides of the ball."

While winning is always the goal, the Lakers did have a plan heading into the weekend, knowing they would face tough competition and play a lot of sets in only three days.

"Our main objective heading into the tournament was to win whilst utilizing different lineups and personnel. We were able to stay discipline in that aspect with many of young players performing well," Yung noted. "This tournament allowed the younger players build confidence and experience while playing quality opponents. I believe that will pay more dividends in the long run than the gold medals. It was also a great too see our veteran players in a supporting role."

On top of being crowned champs, the Lakers were recognized for a few great individual efforts throughout the four matches.

Mike Ballagh was named Best Libero and middle Steve Wood was named Tournament MVP.

Yung said both played very well, competing on every play and playing the majority of the sets.

"We're incredibly proud of both award winners for the tournament, it is really gratifying to see Mike Ballagh being recognized as the best libero in the tournament. He is a tremendous leader on and off the court for our program and has worked extremely hard to be the best he can be," Yung said. "Steve Wood showed signs of dominance throughout the tournament and still has lots of room to improve, looking forward to seeing his continued progress in the second half."

A Look Ahead

After an impressive 5-1 start, in which they have only lost three sets total and sit with the second highest winning percentage in the OUA, the Lakers will look to continue their strong play beginning this weekend.
Nipissing hosts the Trent Excalibur, looking for the season sweep, after beating them in Peterborough earlier this season.

"We have to continue to improve on our weaknesses and fine tune our strengths. The key is to play with confidence and maintain competitiveness throughout entire matches," Yung said about how to ensure success in the second half.

Trent enters with a 0-8 record, having struggled so far in their first year in the OUA.

They will be looking for the upset, however, so the Lakers will have to be ready to go.

The match is set for 7pm on Saturday at the RJS Athletic Centre.
 
 
The Lakers join some elite company of teams who have won the Excalibur in the past.

PAST CHAMPIONS
2017 Nipissing
2016 York
2015 Western
2014 Laval
2013 Ryerson
2012 Western
2011 Western
2010 Laval
2009 Dalhousie
2008 Dalhousie
2007 Manitoba
2006 Manitoba
2005 Ryerson
2004 Ryerson
2003 Laval
2002 Queen's
2001 Toronto
2000 Trinity Western
1999 Queen's
1998 Tskuba (Japan)
1997 Sherbrooke
1996 Laval
1995 Manitoba
1994 Laval
1993 Montreal
1992 McMaster
1991 Calgary
1990 Manitoba
1989 York
1988 Penn State
1987 Winnipeg
1986 Penn State
1985 Manitoba
1984 Ball State
1983 Manitoba
1982 Alberta
1981 Penn State
1980 Penn State