LIONS PUSH TOP RANKED GRYPHONS TO FIVE SETS TO START 2024

The York University Lions men’s volleyball team enter 2024 looking to improve their 1-6 record facing the Guelph Gryphons who have a 7-3 record.

York secured the first set with a score of 25-23, Guelph won the second and third set 25-19 and 25-22, respectively. The Lions fought back and won the fourth set 25-17. The fifth set was won by the Gryphons 15-9. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Dennis Cota gets the first set started with some strong serves bringing the Lions to 7-4. A smash from Martin Prinsloo forces the Gryphons to take a timeout early on in the set. After leading most of the set, the Lions found themselves 17-17 with the Gryphons. Cota continues with hot hands for kills, blocks and has the final ACE serve to finalize the set for the Lions 25-23.
• An aggressive second set start saw the Gryphons leading, but the Lions fought back to be within 3 with a score 17-14. Guelph ultimately pulls away from the Lions winning the second set 25-19. 
• The third set saw the Lions and Gryphons go back-and-forth with Guelph eventually taking the lead 17-12. The Lions close the gap to 20-20 but the Gryphons take the third set 25-22. 
• In the fourth set, the Lions re-established their momentum securing the 12-9 lead. A set of 4 strong kills from Alex Dorling ends the set bringing the Lions to a 25-17 set win, pushing a fifth set. 
• The Gryphons take the lead 10-5 so the Lions take a timeout in hopes of regrouping and finishing the set strong. Despite the Lion’s best efforts, the Gryphons continued to dominate the final set taking it 15-9. 

LOOKING AHEAD:

The Lions will look to get back in the win column with a quick turnaround when they take on their cross-town rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues. The Lions host the Varsity Blues on Saturday, Jan. 6. The first serve is set for 6:00 pm at the Tait McKenzie Centre.