The York Lions men's volleyball team lost their first regular season game to the Nipissing Lakers on Saturday by a score of 3-1 after a close battle between the two teams in North Bay, Ont.
 
The sets were close throughout the entire game. In the first set, the Lions fell by a tight 25-23 score. The Lions offense was on point to start the game and had 13 kills in the set. York's Tyler Covach contributed four kills throughout the first set for the Lions, however, Nipissing was able to secure the first set-win.
 
The second set saw the Lions secure the win from the Lakers 25-15. The set also saw 12 kills by the Lions and seven by Nipissing. York's Alexandre Rioux secured two kills for the Lions, helping them win the set and tie the game 1-1.
 
In the third set, the Lakers regained the lead as they beat the Lions to a close 25-20 win. The Lions more than doubled in kills compared to the Lakers with 14 kills, six of those produced by outside hitte Andrew Shotbolt, but the Lakers pulled out the close win.
 
The final set secured the win for Nipissing as they inched in front of the Lions with a close 25-21 win. Nipissing's James Clendenning produced three of his five kills throughout the game in the final set and York's Aleksander Grzegorcykz scored five kills in the fourth and final set but it was not enough as the Lakers prevailed 3-1.
 
Shotbolt had a strong game for the Lions leading the team with 16.5 points and 13 kills to go along with six digs and three service aces. Covach was not far behind with 13.5 points and 13 kills, while setter Logan Mend led both teams with 33 assists. Nipissing's Curtis McPherson led the Lakers with 11.5 points and 10 kills.
 
The Lions will be playing their second regular season game against the Guelph Gryphons in Guelph, Ont. on Friday, Nov. 2.