OSHAWA, Ont. - Facing tough competition in the visiting Algonquin Thunder, the No. 5 nationally ranked Durham Lords suffered their first loss of the 2019-20 season, falling in five sets on Sunday afternoon at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. Set scores were 25-20, 18-25, 25-23, 16-25, 13-15.
DC entered the match with an unblemished 13-0 mark, ranking first in the OCAA east division. Despite the loss, Durham still sits atop the division, ahead of the 10-3 Georgian Grizzlies and Canadore Panthers. The Lords found themselves shorthanded on the afternoon, without the services of two effective offensive weapons in first-year standout
Will Hart (Ennisville,Ont.) and points per set leader
Andrew Dube (Uxbridge, Ont.). The Thunder took advantage utilizing a strong service game, which saw them outscore the Lords 8-2 at the service line, and strong defensive play at the net, resulting in 20 blocks to 13 for Durham, to capture the five set victory.
The Lords will look to bounce back on Thursday, Jan. 30 when they face the Fleming Knights at the CRWC. The game will also be the Lords Bell Let's Talk game, showcasing Bell Let's Talk bubbles and banner signed by Durham College athletes and students. Bell Let's Talk Day is scheduled for Wednesday Jan. 29 with the Lords hosting a table in the Gordon Willey Building where students are encouraged to fill in their own Bell Let's Talk bubbles and share on social media in support of the nation-wide campaign. Action for the Thursday night match is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. with the game also available on
OCAA LIVE.
• Fifth-year veteran
Tyler Krabi (Stouffville, Ont.) led the Lords offence in the loss, registering a team-high 15 points from nine kills and an impressive six blocks.
• Second-year middle and 2018-19 OCAA all-rookie
James Hirt (Scarborough, Ont.) was the only other Lord to break double-digits, recording eight kills, one ace, and three blocks for 12 points.
• Four Thunder players reached double-digit points, including Richard Bucar and Tom Cullingworth who each broke to 20-point plateau with 22 and 20 respectively.
• Surpassing 30 assists for the seventh time this season, fifth-year setter
Liam Gray (Barrie, Ont.) finished the afternoon with 38 assists, adding nine digs defensively.
• Versatile first-year athlete
Jason Cazes (Richmond Hill, Ont.) topped the Lords defensively with a team-high 10 digs.
• Ryan Quirion guided the Thunder offence with 45 assists, while Jonas Zeithammel recorded a game-high 15 digs.
Overall Record: 23-8 (W-L)
Conference Record: 13-1
Next match: Thursday, Jan. 30 vs. Fleming Knights • (8 p.m. – CRWC)
For all your Durham Lords updates make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
