CCAA Media

The Lakeland College Rustlers have an opportunity to win back-to-back national titles after they defeated Capilano Blues in three sets in Thursday's semifinal (25-13, 25-13 and 25-8).

Capilano came into the match against the defending champs after a gritty five-set win over Collège Lionel-Groulx while Lakeland breezed past Manitoba's Canadian Mennonite University Blazers in three sets on Wednesday. The Rustlers lived up to their advance billing, once again needing the minimum sets to get the job done.

Blues third-year outside hitter Annika Kuznik led her side with four kills. Outside hitter Vanesa Gatto recorded three kills and six digs while setter Jayden Easingwood had 13 assists. Nnya Mbaoma contributed three kills, two of the team’s three blocks and one service ace.

For Lakeland, fourth-year outside hitter Jenay Varga led the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Champions offensively with 15 kills (0.577). She also contributed nine digs and one of the Rustlers’ 10 service aces. Teammate Avery Bates added nine kills. Fourth-year setter Jana Laing accumulated 33 assists, eight digs and three aces.

Varga was selected the 4imprint Rustlers Player of the Game. Gatto was named the 4imprint Blues Player of the Match.

The Rustlers will face the VIU Mariners in the gold medal match on Saturday at 8 p.m. The Blues will play the Humber Hawks in the bronze semi-finals on Friday at 6 p.m.