Sting Lose Heartbreaker

The Seneca Sting opened the second semester in disappointing fashion, dropped a five-set thriller with the Algonquin Thunder 14-25, 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 8-15.

In their first match in six weeks, the Sting showed some rust early. The Thunder took full advantage, dominating the Sting in the opening set.

The Sting rebounded in the second set, jumping on the Thunder early. The Sting stormed out to a 15-6 lead, forcing the retreating Thunder to call a timeout to stop the Sting momentum. Toms Gaikis was unstoppable at the net, frustrating the Thunder blockers while recording multiple kills in the set.

Dominant play by the home team continued in the third set as the Sting jumped out to an early lead. The Thunder battled back, but the Sting took a 2-1 lead in the match with a three point victory.

The fourth set saw the Thunder return to their first set play, outbattling the Sting at the net thanks to their size advantage. That advantage was key in the fifth and deciding set as the Thunder jumped out to an 8-4 lead at the midway point. A pair of aces by the Thunder highlighted the comeback as the Sting dropped their first match of the second semester.

Gaikis led the Sting with 17 kills to go along with 7 digs. Isaiah Fogah added 9 kills and Malik Welsh finished with 8 kills and 4 blocks. Savino Marques had 32 assists and 14 digs.

The Thunder were topped by Jarrod McNaughton who had 14 kills and 6 digs. Richard Bucar added 13 kills while Thomas Cullingworth contributed 9 kills and 4 blocks. Jackie Nguyen finished with 33 assists and Ryan Quirion led the defensive effort with 10 digs.