Men's Volleyball
Opponent – Saturday vs. York Lions

Breakdown
Coming off their first back-to-back losses of the season, the Lakers will be looking to get back into the win column and regain their form from a few weeks ago.

Quickly, Nipissing finds themselves in a fight for positioning in the East Division. While the playoffs are all but guaranteed, where they finish, who they play and whether they host a post-season game or not, are all up in the air.

With two games in hand on Ryerson and just two points back, a win Saturday would put Nipissing back in top spot, but they face a York team who has won three matches in a row.

Three teams are tied for second place with 16 points, meaning the matches for the rest of the season are all crucial, no matter the opponent.

Nipissing has a very balanced attack and they'll need it this weekend to keep York guessing.

Keys to Victory
Spreading out the offence has been a staple of the Lakers all season, with a number of players being able to have big games.

Five players have at least 2.4 points per set for Nipissing, playing at least 27 sets – three outside hitters and two middles and setter Nathan Charron has done a very good job of giving each attacker some quality sets.

That will need to continue, as each player will be counted on to make sure they score when given the opportunity.

Players to Watch
Cam Branch – Branch has been re-gaining his form lately, putting up bigger numbers lately and he will have to have his best game of the season this weekend.

While he has help, if he can step up and play like he's capable, the Lions will struggle to contain his power.

Warren Taylor – Taylor has quietly been excellent this season. He ranks fifth on the team in kills, but is second in total blocks and can put the ball away effectively when given a chance.

If teams focus on the Lakers outside hitters, Taylor, along with his fellow middles, have the opportunity to be the difference in the match.