Lady Lakers battle to the very end

February 28, 2010 – Sudbury, Ontario – The Nipissing Lady Lakers and Humber Hawks renewed their rivalry as the teams faced off for the fifth consecutive year in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association provincial volleyball championship final held at Cambrian College.

The Lady Lakers got off to a roaring start and were leading 10-3 when Humber was forced to call their first time out. The Lady Lakers were up 15-11 in the first set when starting right side player Liza Grenon was forced to leave the match due to an ankle sprain suffered when she landed on the opponents foot coming down from a block. This marked the third time that a Nipissing starter was injured during a championship match, twice in the OCAA championship finals (2006,2010) and in the first match at Nationals last season (2009).

"It was very unfortunate for Liza,” said head coach Marc LaRochelle. “She was having a great tournament and was playing very well in this match.”

Rookie setter Stephanie Tiegs was called upon to replace Grenon, a combination the Lakers had used early on in the season. “I thought Tiegs did a great job considering we haven’t used her in this role for quite some time. It is never easy coming into a championship final under those circumstances.” added LaRochelle.

The Lakers battled through and managed to claim the first set 25-20. The Hawks replied by claiming the second set 25-19. With the momentum seemingly shifting to the Hawks the ladies dug deep and played inspired volleyball and took the third set 25-19. The Hawks would not go down without a fight and both teams exchanged some great rallies and in the end the Hawks forced a fifth and deciding set by winning 25-18.

In the fifth set the Hawks got off to a 3-0 led before the ladies stormed back. The Lakers managed to tie the game at 7-7. The Hawks did get to eight first but not without controversy as the crowd on hand voiced their displeasure with the officials for a missed call. The teams battled it out and with the Hawks up 10-9 the Lady Lakers were called on a marginal ball handling call.

LaRochelle felt that this was certainly a pivotal point in the match. “On marginal calls I would rather see the players battle it out.” This seemed to swing the momentum in the Hawks favour and Humber went on to win 15-9.

"I am really proud of this team,” said head coach Marc LaRochelle. “They played with heart and determination under some very difficult circumstances and deserved a better fate.”

The Lady Lakers had four players in double digits as Stephanie Stubbert, Melissa Graham, Lucia DeMarco and Chandra Massey had 16, 11 and 10 offensive points respectively.

Stubbert and setter Lindsay Carson were named tournament all stars for their strong performances.