The York University Lions men's volleyball team won in four sets against the Western Mustangs on Saturday (Feb. 7) at Tait McKenzie Centre.
 
With the win, the Lions improve to a record of 12-7 and 24 points. The win, combined with a Queen's loss to McMaster last night moves the Lions into sole position of fourth place in the OUA standings with one game remaining in the regular season. With a win tomorrow, the Lions can clinch fourth place and home court advantage in the quarterfinal playoff match. The Mustangs stand at sixth place with a record of 10-9 and 20 points.
 
The hosts started out strongly as Arthur Swarcz (Toronto) opened the Lions scoring with a powerful spike that could only be deflected wide.
 
At 9-9, Josh Henderson (Scarborough, Ont.) powered a hit that overpowered the defenders. The Mustangs continued to struggle in returning the Lions' attempts.
 
Nikola Sandic (Etobicoke, Ont.) nicely set up Swarcz for a kill at 16-14. Rookie outside-hitter Robert Thompson (Maple, Ont.) later replaced the prolific Swarcz for the remainder of the set.
 
Ray Szeto (Sutton, Ont.) powered an emphatic spike at 23-16, courtesy of another Sandic assist.
 
The first set ended at 25-17 as Henderson delivered a service ace to mark the Lions' domination.
 
The Lions scintillating form continued in the second set. However, a temporary run of mistakes gave the Mustangs a chance to catch up at 7-7. The Lions regained their sharpness and continued to lead at 14-8 by the next timeout.
 
Logan Mend (Naramata, B.C.) subbed in for Sandic and made an immediate impact on the game, setting up Szeto for a kill and assisting Henderson for the set-winning spike.
 
At the start of the third set, the Lions opened with two successful blocks. The Mustangs refused to concede early and kept the match tight.
 
Henderson attempted three consecutive spikes, all of which were blocked as the Lions finally conceded the point at 15-12.
 
The Mustangs went on to win 25-19, denying the Lions of a straight set victory.
 
At the fourth set, the Lions responded with rejuvenation as Alexander Duncan-Thibault (Scarborough, Ont.) made a good block to end an early rally. A series of miscommunication cost the Mustangs several points.
 
Szeto made a service ace at 22-16 as the Mustangs scrambled to defend the hit. The set concluded with a service error by the Mustangs to give the Lions a 25-19 win.
 
Szeto ended the game with a game-high of 19.5 points and 17 kills. Sandic provided 40 assists and a service ace. Marko Dakic (Mississauga, Ont.) contributed 15 points, 14 kills and an assist.
 
For the Mustangs, Justin Scapinello and Doug Austrom both contributed 11 points, with 10 and eight kills, respectively. Matt Hooker provided 32 assists.
 
The Lions will be playing their final game of the season against the Windsor Lancers at Tait McKenzie Centre on Sunday (Feb. 8) at 4pm.
 
by Justin Tjoandi