After missing out on playoff action last season, the York Lions men’s volleyball team have bounced back fantastically, going on a seven-game winning streak and breaking the record for their best start to an OUA season. This is the first time the York program has won 7-0 to start the season. Unfortunately, their winning streak came to an end after falling to the Nipissing Lakers on the road.
The second season loss came against Queens, but the Lions quickly got their revenge as both teams split the series. With the season coming to a halt until January, the Lions are currently tied for second place with Queens in the OUA men’s volleyball standings with a record of 8-2. They are also ranked tenth in the country for U Sports.
Jordan Taylor, head coach of the men’s volleyball team, shares his thoughts on the record-breaking start: “We’re happy to be nationally ranked. It means a lot for the guys and it’s just a testament to the work the players put in, but we’re not there yet. We’ve got some pretty lofty goals and those goals are to be met in February.”
After missing out on the playoffs last year, Taylor believes that this group is capable of winning the OUA and making it to the National Championship next year. “We are one of the tallest teams in our league,” Taylor says. “We have a plethora of guys over six foot seven. I think we had a good returning group from last year and then some really exciting rookies as well, so I think the combination of experience, plus tall and talented rookies, puts us in a pretty good position.”
Lions’ starting setter Aidan Labossiere talked about the difference between the mood last season compared to this season: “Guys want to come to practice. All 22 of us are motivated to work hard. I think last year we knew there was going to be a little bit of rebuilding here, so we took it as that was and worked really hard.”
Looking ahead, the Lions will host local rivals, such as the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. As the Lions prepare for the next half of their season, they have set a strong foundation to build upon, with a combination of experience, physique, and talent. Momentum from their historic start will be pivotal as they aim to solidify their place among the top teams in the country.
