ARPAN KAUR // yorkulions.ca

On Saturday afternoon, the York University Lions men's volleyball team took on the RMC Paladins in their second back-to-back homestand game at the Tait McKenzie Centre. 

The Lions were looking to bounce back after losing their season opener on Friday night and they did just that, fighting their way past the Paladins to avoid a two-game sweep with a 3-0 victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Lions jumped out to a quick lead in the first set at 9-4. They kept rolling in the second half of the set, with a huge performance by veteran Andrew Tauhid, who made clutch digs and spikes, giving the Lions' the set win of 25-17 to take an early 1-0 lead.
• The Lions continued their impressive performance in front of the home crowd going into the second set, as they outplayed the Paladins defence, taking the second set by a score of 25-14.
• The third set began with high-octane action and tight back-and-forth plays. Both teams had a strong drive to achieve this set, however, the thrilling match came to an end, as the Lions emerged as the stronger team to hand the Paladins the set loss of 25-23. 

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• The York leaders of the match included Tauhid who had a powerhouse performance with a game-high 17 kills, seven digs, and an ace, and setter Jasraj Nijjar, with 32 assists to go along with six digs, and an ace.  
• The Lions out-killed the Paladins 40-27, combining a total of 77 kills in the last two matches.

LOOKING AHEAD

Up next for the Lions is a five-game road trip, where they will first head downtown to play their division competitors, the Rams on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The first serve is set for 5pm.