Rustlers golden once again after sweeping Vikings

From the first whistle to the final minutes of the ACAC women's volleyball Gold medal match, the Lakeland Rustlers displayed just how special this year's team is.

The Rustlers entered the final having won 30 straight sets, including their wins in the tournament. Their opponent, the Augustana Vikings, came in with three playoff victories over the past week, some in dramatic fashion. While Lakeland was the heavy favourite, Augustana is the lone team to defeat them this season, even win a set.

In the first, the Vikings displayed some aggressive serving and attacking, bolstered by a strong contingent of fans. However, the Rustlers were cheered on by their own supporting cast in the stands and were able to up the serving pressure as the set continued, making timely shots to score at the net and ultimately win 25-17.

To start the second, the Vikings made lineup changes, but they proved ineffective against the onslaught of tough serving the Rustlers sent their way. ACAC North Division Player of the Year Jenay Varga, left-side Lana Matthews and right-side Avery Bates scored almost at will against a sizable Augustana block, combining for 29 kills. Setter Jana Laing also utilized middles Kaylie Lueck and Sarah Hogue effectively in the 25-13 win.

The third set started similarly to the second, with Augustana back on their heels amidst unrelenting pressure from the Rustlers. Eventually, the Vikings were able to garner a couple of scoring runs, but Lakeland continued to swing away, particularly Matthews on the left-side. In the end, the league's top seed left no doubt, winning 25-16.

Libero Seanna Trumier was named Player of the Match with a match high 13 digs. Matthews and Varga were named Tournament All-Stars, while Laing was the MVP.

Lakeland now has a week off of competition to rest and train for the CCAA National Championship, which will be hosted in Vancouver Island March 8-11.