Lakers mine CCAA men's volleyball gold

Congratulations to the Nipissing Lakers men’s volleyball team on winning the gold medal at the Canadian Colleges Athletics Association (CCAA) National Championships.Crowd energy provided the catalyst for the Lakers as they struck gold at the 2013 CCAA National Championship, hosted by Niagara College. The constant roar of the audience, most of whom made the four hour trip to Niagara College, pushed the Lakers to a straight sets victory over the Red Deer College Kings. Set scores were 25-18, 25-21, 25- 22.
The play of the towering Leblanc brothers, Adam standing at six-foot-eight and Andre at six-foot-seven, was the difference in the match, boosting the Lakers to the top of the podium. Adam contributed three kills and five blocks while Andre added nine kills and five blocks.
Third-year Ancaster, Ontario, native Tom Podstawka also added eight kills and six digs to his tournament totals. Six-foot-five middle Frankie Edgecombe finished the championship strong and was honoured with the tournament Most Valuable Player award.
The Kings kept pace with the Lakers during the third set, but were dealt a tough blow as Chris Osborn from Scottsdale, Arizona, went down with what looked to be an ankle injury. The Kings were not able to recover, and the Lakers pulled away to victory.
Nipissing’s Tyler Phillipson and Adam Leblanc also collected First Team All-Star awards; Andre Leblanc was named a Second Team All-Star.
The game was a sell-out at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre, and over 16,000 viewers watched the match onwww.sportslive.ca.
All 2013 Ironwood Wealth Management Group CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship matches are andarchived and available for viewing here?.?