The York University Lions men's volleyball team lost in straight sets to the visiting Nipissing Lakers at the Tait McKenzie Centre on Friday night.
 
Playing without their leading scorer and, arguably, the best setter in the OUA, the Lions were not able to generate enough offence to take down the Lakers, who are in a battle for one of the last two playoff spots in the OUA East Division. The Lions fell to 10-6 with the loss but remain in second place in the standings and can clinch a top-two seed with one win in their last two matches. The Lakers improved to 8-8 and are tied with Queen's for third place.
 
The Lakers won all three sets in convincing fashion, taking the first 25-20, the second 25-18 and the third 25-15.
 
Rookie outside hitter Andrew Tauhid led the Lions in scoring with eight points, on seven kills and one service ace, and Robert Thompson had 6.5 points on six kills and an assisted block. Patrick Jensen earned the starting job at setter for the night and recorded 18 assists.
 
Nipissing had two players reach double digits in scoring. Cameron Branch led the way with 12 points on nine kills and three service aces, while Warren Taylor contributed 10.5 points on six kills, four solo blocks and one assisted block.
 
The Lions will look to get back on track on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Peterborough, Ont., to face the Trent Excalibur. Their final game of the regular season comes the following Sunday, when they host the Toronto Varsity Blues at the Tait McKenzie Centre.