Men's Volleyball Weekend Recap | February 11, 2018

The Lakeland Rustlers faced the Augustana Vikings on the weekend, and despite keeping most of the sets close, the Rustlers lost the matches in three sets both nights.

Friday night in Lloydminster, the Rustlers lost in three close, hard fought sets (25-21, 25-23, 25-22).  The Rustlers would fight hard and keep all three sets close, but could never score consecutive points when it mattered most to get the win.  The two teams would go back and forth in all three sets, with the Vikings taking the first set 25-21.  In the second set, the two teams would always remain within two points of one another, with the Rustlers often fighting from behind.  The Rustlers would tie the score at 20 before the Vikings would take the set 25-23.  The Vikings opened up a 5-2 lead to start the set before the Rustlers would fight back to take a 7-5 lead.  The Vikings would then go on a run to take an 11-9 lead.  The Rustlers would keep the game within two before getting down 23-19 and then losing the match 25-22.

The Rustlers were led by Player of the Game 2nd-year Tyler Williamson, who had five kills, a dig and a block.  The Rustlers also got five kills from 2nd-year outside/libero Matt Peck, 2nd-year outside Brayden Griffith and 1st-year middle Spencer Roziere.  2nd-year setter Jose Areliano had 24 assists and six digs for the Rustlers.

Saturday night in Camrose, the Rustlers once again lost in three sets (25-23, 25-18, 25-17).  The Rustlers fought and were able to keep the first set close, but gave up too many kills and attacks in the second and third sets to be able to come out with a win. 

The Rustlers were led by Roziere with nine kills and two blocks, earning him Player of the Game.  Peck had five digs for the Rustlers while Areliano added 21 assists and four digs.

The Rustlers play their final two games of the season next weekend against the King's Eagles.  The Rustlers travel to Edmonton Friday night to take on the 10-12 Eagles before playing their final home game of the season Saturday night.  The match is set to get underway at the completion of the Women's game at approximately 8:00 pm.