The York University Lions men's volleyball squad is back on the road this weekend as they are in Kingston for a two-match showdown with the RMC Paladins. This evening, they played game one of the series and secured a 3-1 win.
York's attack was the difference throughout the match, as the Lions posted an impressive .456 hitting percentage with five players recording five or more kills. Their efficient finishing at the net helped them overcome service inconsistencies and maintain pressure on the Paladins across all four sets.
The opening set showcased York's rhythm on offence, highlighted by early contributions from Colby Soolsma, who established himself as the Lions' go-to hitter from the outset. Alexandru Ignat added key swings late in the frame, helping York edge out a tight 25-22 win. The Lions hit .391 as a group to claim the opener.
RMC responded in the second set, capitalizing on York's service errors and stringing together their most efficient offensive stretch of the evening. Despite steady ball distribution from setter Jasraj Nijjar, who finished the match with 42 assists, the Lions could not keep pace in the frame, falling 25-16 as the Paladins evened the match.
York regained momentum in the third set with one of their cleanest offensive efforts of the season. The Lions recorded 14 kills without a single error, paced by Nathan Luken who brought efficient attacking, as he finished the night with 11 kills on .500 hitting. Dennis Cota added timely points and an ace as York controlled the set from start to finish, taking the set 25-17.
In the fourth, York closed the match with authority. The Lions delivered their best statistical set of the evening, hitting a remarkable .760, powered by standout performances from Soolsma, who led all players with 17 kills, and Richard Housen Jr., who added 8 kills on .615 hitting. Defensively, the Lions tightened their net play as Cota and Housen each recorded a pair of solo blocks, helping secure the 25-19 victory.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions now turns their attention to the second match of the series as they look to close out the Kingston road trip with another strong performance. Their second match is scheduled for 3:30 pm tomorrow.
