Rustlers Weekend Recap - November 7, 2022
Lakeland's team's had another solid weekend, with some low points intermixed.
Men's basketball pulled off a sweep against a pair of tough south division teams. First, they came from behind against the five-time defending champion SAIT Trojans 87-82, before a smaller comeback the next day against the St. Mary's Lightning 102-94. In each game, the Rustlers were able to withstand intense pressure from some of the best scorers in the league.
Johnny Mims and Desmond Price, who both hit late game daggers, won Player of the Game Friday and Saturday and Lakeland improved to 3-3 on the season, popping into the national rankings at #15.
On the women's side, it was a tougher weekend, losing both contests. They lead SAIT 24-4 at one point in the 2nd quarter and still lead 31-16 at the half. However, the Trojans began making all their shots, outscoring the home team 28-12 in the third and winning 68-60.
On Saturday, Lakeland made rosters changes, but it wasn't enough to stay in the game against a good St. Mary's team, whose last appearance in the gym was winning ACAC Bronze last March. The Lightning lead throughout the evening, 40-25 at the half and 71-55 by the end of regulation time.
Leena Garda and Alana Olsen were the home POG's, as the team falls to 2-4. Both basketball squads have the weekend off, before heading out onto the road to face the Olds Broncos on Nov. 18.
The volleyball teams were able to get three of four wins on a south division road trip. Friday night was in Calgary against the SAIT Trojans, who are temporarily competing out of the Rally Pointe sports complex as their gym is redone, while Saturday was in Olds.
Women's volleyball team continued the trend of domination that fans have come to enjoy this season, winning in straight sets both nights, holding their opponents to less than 20 points all weekend. Jana Laing (30 assists against SAIT) and Emma Jeffs (nice performance off the bench against Olds) were the POG's, while Avery Bates had a huge weekend, posting 19 kills, 1 block, 2 aces, and 4 digs. Now sitting at 8-0, the Rustlers remain seeded 2nd nationally.
Men's volleyball began their split with a tight 3-2 win over the Trojans Friday. Gabe Bjorkas won Player of the Game, anchoring the squad with 10 kills and 4 service aces. However, Lakeland struggled to execute against a good Olds Broncos team Saturday, losing in four. Backup setter Dax Naderi won POG.
Like basketball, the volleyball team's will have a weekend to recuperate, before a solo night on Nov. 19 with the defending champion RDP Queens and Kings in town. This will be the first time men have faced Red Deer in regular season play since Nov. 30 2013, while the women's tilt will be a rematch of the 2022 final.