Lakers Fall in Three in Home Opener
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College Lakers took the court for a highly-anticipated matchup against the Monroe College Mustangs in what was lined up to be a thrilling matchup between two of the top programs in NJCAA volleyball.
The Lakers put forth a strong effort, with outside hitter Jonah Grbic (Victor, N.Y./ Victor) leading the charge with an impressive 15 kills on a .206 hitting percentage. The Lakers floor general, libero AJ DeBalso (Canandaigua, N.Y./ Canandaigua), controlled the tempo of the game with his passing, collecting 9 digs and adding 1 assist.
Middle hitter Ian Meeks (Victor, N.Y./ Victor) proved to be a force on the hardwood, dishing out 23 assists and collecting 5 digs, while setter Bryce Ceravolo (Canandaigua, N.Y./ Canandaigua) delivered 6 kills and 9 assists in 3 sets played. Outside hitter Samuel Guardado (San Salvador, El Salvador/ Josue Christian) made his presence felt, recording 3 kills, 3 aces, and 3 digs, coming up big in several moments of the match.
The Lakers came out strong in the first set, pushing the Mustangs to the brink with a close 26-24 defeat. Unfortunately, a few early mistakes proved to be the difference in the first set of the rematch. The Mustangs, riding high from the first set victory, jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the second. The Lakers tried to mount a comeback multiple times throughout the set, but the Mustangs relentless attack proved too much, as they took a commanding 2-0 lead with a 25-22 win in the second set. The third set followed a similar pattern, with the Lakers unable to find their groove. Despite a late surge that saw the Lakers narrow the gap to 24-22, the Mustangs sealed the deal with a 25-22 win in the third set.
The Lakers are back on the hardwood at Finger Lakes Community College later today at 2 PM with a matchup against the Clarkson University Club.
