Coming off an OFSAA “AA” boys volleyball title in Huntsville last fall, coach Dale Beausoleil and the Lasalle Lancers served notice that they are expecting to be in the mix again this year, walking away with the banner at the Early Bird Tournament in North Bay on Thursday – and making it look easy in the process.

In capturing Pool C with six straight ones, the Lancers had only one set where they allowed their opponent to hit double digits.

Cruising into the playoff round, the Lancers stopped the Algonquin Barons in the QF (25-8, 25-12), the Chippewa Raiders in the SF (25-8, 25-17) and the St Joseph Scollard Hall Bears in the championship encounter (25-12, 25-9).

The 2023 Lasalle team features Cameron Potvin, James Welsh, Mack Alisappi, Will Mackey, Ashton Eadie, Davis Mackinnon, Reid Zakamarko, Oak Runia, Ethan Lalonde and Cale Bast, assistant coach Mikaio Walia and former Cambrian standout Jack Daley, who lent a helping hand for this tournament only.

Another team that could make some noise this year locally, the Lo-Ellen Park Knights took part in the 2023 Gryphon Cup in Guelph, making it through to the final eight of the twenty team event before being eliminated.

The Knights dropped their opener to the Centre Dufferin DHS Royals from Shelburne (25-14, 14-25, 20-25), but bounced back to take three key sets from the Owen Sound DSS Wolves, 25-21, 25-22, 25-12.

This would be key as the GCVI (Guelph Collegiate) Gaels took two of three from the SDSSAA reps (27-25, 19-25, 22-25), with Lo-Ellen still earning second place due to their 5-4 overall mark.

Unfortunately, a solid effort in quarter-final action would not be quite enough as Lo-Ellen were swept in straight sets by the Resurrection Catholic Secondary School Phoenix from Kitchener.

SDSSAA league play kicks off Monday as the Rivières-des-Francais Muskies visit the St Benedict Bears in junior boys "B" division play, with "A" matchups beginning the next day at Champlain, Horizon and Lo-Ellen.