The York University Lions men's volleyball team continued its strong season this weekend with a pair of victories over the Waterloo Warriors and Guelph Gryphons on the road.
 
Alex Duncan-Thibault (Scarborough, Ont.) was dominant in both matches, putting up 21.5 points in each to carry his squad to victory. The Lions have now won three in a row and eight of their last nine after starting the season 0-2, and at 8-3 they are tied with the Nipissing Lakers and Queen's Gaels for second place in the tight OUA East Division.
 
Against the Warriors, the Lions grabbed the first set 25-22 but then took their foot off the gas and allowed the Warriors back in. Waterloo took full advantage and evened the match at one set apiece with a 25-15 win.
 
However, the Lions quickly grabbed the momentum back and took the third set 25-19, then carried that into the fourth to win the match with a 25-22 set victory.
 
Duncan-Thibault had 17 kills, two service aces and 2.5 blocks and also chipped in with three digs. Spencer Dakin Kuiper (Lethbridge, Alta.) finished with 8.5 points on seven kills and 1.5 blocks, while starting setter Logan Mend (Naramata, B.C.) had 37 assists.
 
The Lions were even stronger against the Gryphons in a three-set sweep. Duncan-Thibault had 16 kills and an impressive 5.5 blocks in the match, while Mend put up another 27 assists.
 
The Lions have a big match next weekend when they travel to North Bay, Ont., to face the Lakers on Saturday afternoon in a match that may determine home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The game is scheduled for 2pm.