The Lakeland volleyball team traveled to Terra State tonight to face off against the Titans and came away with an epic 3-2 victory. The scores of the game were 11-25, 32-30, 25-23, 20-25, and 15-12. The Lakers started off slow. In game 1, they were unable to get in a rhythm and fell fairly quickly. Little did everyone know that the battle was just beginning. Game 2 will go down as one of the most intense and exciting wins in recent history. Both teams went back and forth and kept it close late until Lakeland finally was able to close it out. Game 3 was another close game as both teams had mini-runs with the Lakers edging out Terra State for a 2-1 lead. Game 4 gave the Lakers their first opportunity to close out the match, but they had a few mistakes that they could not overcome. In game 5, the Lakers would not be denied. Again, another close match with the Lakers refusing to give in. The Lakers really battled hard in this match and made every contact count to push them to the win.  

This was a total team victory for the Lakers. Erica Merth helped lead the way with 15 kills, 7 blocks, 6 digs, and 28 serve receptions while Kaitlynn Minarik finished her night with 10 kills, 3 blocks, 18 digs, and 26 serve receptions. Astianna Coppes had a strong night with 14 kills, 12 assists, 18 digs, and 2 aces while Jordan Morman added 5 kills, 3 blocks, 15 digs, and 17 serve receptions. Lindsey Fergus picked up 1 kill, 16 digs, and 21 serve receptions and Allison Hendrick added 16 assists, 2 aces, 11 digs and was recognized for her outstanding serving. Avrie Shenkel added 3 kills and 3 digs in the Laker win.

Lakeland players of the game are Erica Merth, Astianna Coppes, Kaitlynn Minarik, and Allison Hendrick.

Watts' Word: "We played together and showed our mental toughness. We really played hard and had some fun out there. It was a great step - I'm so proud of the team."

Next Up: The Lakers and Titans will face off again on Wednesday (10/25) in Laker Gym for the season finale. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm. Sophomores will be recognized in a brief pre-game ceremony.