The Trent University Excalibur volleyball teams challenged the Loyalist Lancers in home game action on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, with both Excalibur men’s and women’s teams winning 3-1 over their determined opponents.

The Excalibur women’s team came out playing strong and looking in control of the outcome of the match, winning the first game 25-17 over the Lancers.  Trent lost some of their steam in the next game and Loyalist took advantage of this, retaliating with some solid serving, winning 25-16 over Trent. 

However, Trent was not ready to accept defeat from the Lancers and stepped up their game in the third set and executed many earth-shattering blocks.  Both the third and fourth games were tight in terms of points, with continuous back and forth play dominating the action.  Excalibur rallied together as a more cohesive unit, driving against the Lancers with sheer persistence, leading Trent to win the last two games (25-22; 25-23) and winning the overall match 3-1 over Loyalist. 

Key Performers (Women)

#11 Jennifer Lenis, 16 points (16 kills)

#12 Alex Thompson, 14 points (12 kills, 4 aces)

#1 Elise Hanson, 10 kills (10 kills)

Jessica Clancy (18 digs)

In the men’s match, the heat was on between Trent and Loyalist as both teams were engaged in rapid-fire play and were neck and neck throughout the match.  The Lancers seemed to have a slight edge over Trent at times in the first game, winning 25-22 over Trent. 

Excalibur quickly upped their game in the second game with strength in blocking as well as superb teamwork to notch points against Loyalist, taking the match 25-21.  The third and fourth sets were very tight in terms of points, but Trent pulled through with lots of hustle and intensity, winning the games 28-26 and 27-25.   At times, it was difficult to determine who would win the match, but Trent pushed to the finish line to an outstanding 3-1 victory over Loyalist. 

Key Performers (Men)

Ben Kinzett, 15 points (13 kills, 1 ace, 1 block)

Alex Gastel, 12 points (9 kills, 1 ace, 2 blocks)

Eric Jeffery, 11 points (4 kills, 2 aces, 5 blocks)

Chris Ferguson-Martin, 11 points (9 kills, 2 aces)

Joshua Neadow – 23 digs

You can catch the Excalibur women’s and men’s volleyball teams in action on Friday, January 22 at 6 and 8 pm at the Trent Athletics Centre. 

By Christina Richards

Student Sports Writer