WELLAND, Ont. - Crowd energy was the catalyst for the Nipissing University Lakers as they struck gold at the 2013 CCAA Ironwood Wealth Management Group CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship hosted by Niagara College.

The constant roar of the audience, most of whom made the four hour trip to Niagara College, pushed the Lakers to a straight sets victory over the Red Deer College Kings. Set scores were 25-18, 25-21, 25- 22.

The play of the towering Leblanc brothers, Adam standing at 6-foot-8, and Andre at 6-foot-7, were the difference in the match, helping the Lakers to the top of the podium. Adam contributed three kills and five blocks while Andre added nine kills and five blocks.

Third-year Ancaster, Ont., native Tom Podstawka also added eight kills and six digs to his tournament totals.

Six-foot-five middle Frankie Edgecombe finished the championship strong and was honoured with the tournament most valuable player award.

Chris Jones and Tim Finnigan helped the Kings keep the game close, as they each finished in the double-digits in kills on their way to a silver-medal. The Kings kept pace with the Lakers during the third set, but were dealt a tough blow as Chris Osborn from Scottsdale, Ariz., went down with what looked to be an ankle injury. The Kings were not able to recover, and the Lakers pulled away to victory.

With the win, Nipissing became the second straight OCAA men's volleyball team to win the CCAA championship. Last year, Humber College became the first Ontario school to win a national men's volleyball title since 1983.

As the tournament drew to a close, first-team all-star awards went to SAIT Trojan Darcee Froese, Capilano's Dan Caverly, Red Deer College's Sam Brisbane, Nipissing Lakers Tyler Phillipson and Adam Leblanc, and Niagara College Knight Shayne Petrusma.

Second-team all-star honours went to L'Outaouais Griffon Hugo Lachance Berthel, Victoria Island University Mariner Lee Hamilton, SAIT's Scott Lesher, RDC Kings Tim Finnigan and Braden O'Toole, and finally Nipissing's Andre Leblanc. The National Championship's Fair Play award was rewarded to CEGEP de L'Outaouais. 

The game was a sell-out at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre, and over 16 000 viewers watched the match on www.sportslive.ca.  

All 2013 Ironwood Wealth Management Group CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship matches are and archived and available for viewing at www.sportslive.ca.

VANCOUVER ISLAND 3, NIAGARA 0

In the final day of competition at the 2013 CCAA Ironwood Wealth Management Group CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship hosted by Niagara College, the host Niagara College Knights were eliminated from medal contention by the Vancouver Island Mariners (VIU) 3-0. Set scores for the match were 27-25, 25-18, 25-16.

The win moved the Mariners into the bronze medal where they lost to the SAIT Trojans out of Calgary, Alta. 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-23). With their loss, the host Knights saw their outstanding season conclude with a fifth place finish at the CCAA National Championship.

The Mariners attack throughout the match revolved around fifth-year middle Lee Hamilton. The 6-foot-7, two-time all-Canadian was dominant both offensively and defensively for VIU. Hamilton finished the contest with 10 kills, and three blocks, and was named Player of the Match for his performance.

Niagara's Player of the Match was first-year outside hitter Jeff Scott. The Georgetown, Ont., native recorded eight total points and 10 digs.

Source: Niagara College with files from OCAA Communications