Lakeland Rustlers Weekend Recap - Dec 4, 2023

After a busy end to November, Rustlers Athletics had one more evening of league excitement before exams.

The volleyball squads traveled to Camrosr Friday night, where the took on the Augustana Vikings. It was aloud atmosphere, with the sold out home crowd doing everything possible to disrupt the Lakeland team's. 

In the women's match, the Rustlers quieted the home fans early, winning 25-18, but a few loose minutes in the 2nd set allowed the Vikings back into the match, losing 25-22. After the 3rd set was initially competitive, Lakeland got back on track, winning 25-19, 25-13.

Raegan Niccol had a big night, scoring 8 kills and adding 3 blocks.

The men's match was even more eventful, with the crowd noise reaching a fever pitch. Augustana took advantage of the Rustlers uneven play, winning the first two sets 25-18, 25-21. After an initially tight set, Lakeland broke away to win the 3rd 25-19. A thriller then took place in the 4th, with the Vikings fighting off two set points before a big stuff block won the Rustlers the set 26-24. In the 5th, strong serving and net play won the day, as the visitors took it 15-10. Gabriel Bjorkas had 11 kills, while Declan Mercer had a career high 9 kills.

Both teams finish the first half nationally ranked and well ahead of other playoff contenders, (women 9-1, men 8-2). They are back on the road to start the second semester on Jan. 14, when they travel to Red Deer.

The basketball squads, who also finished 1st and 2nd in the North, will also start the second half on the road, when they take on the Vikings Jan. 13 in Camrose.

Women's hockey, currently sitting 3rd in thr league, will host Hockey Fights Cancer this Friday st the Russ Robertson. They travel south of the border in early January to play Arizona State University, before picking up league on Jan. 12 in Red Deer.

Men's and women's futsal continue to train in advance of their first league event Jan 19, when they travel to Lac La Biche.

And Lakeland's curling squads hit the ice again Jan. 19, when they go to Edmonton for the Winter Regional.