Jana Laing, Lakeland Rustlers, Women's Volleyball

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

For Jana Laing and the Lakeland Rustlers women's volleyball program, this weekend at the ACAC Championships must have felt a little like déjà vu.

The fourth-year setter kicked off the ACAC Championship in Lethbridge by earning a spot on the North Division All-Conference Team, setting the stage for another remarkable achievement. Laing played a pivotal role in guiding her team to another back-to-back ACAC title, repeating the feat accomplished in 2017-2018. Adding to her list of accolades, she was named Tournament MVP, mirroring her achievement from the previous year.

Laing's performance over the three days was nothing short of spectacular. She began by contributing 23 assists, 2 service aces, 6 digs, and 1 block in the team's dominant victory over the host Lethbridge Kodiaks. In the semifinal rematch with the RDP Queens, she showcased her versatility with 2 kills, 41 assists, 3 aces, and 17 digs. Finally, in the championship match, she delivered once again with 1 kill, 31 assists, 3 aces, and 13 digs.

In total, the two-time champ accumulated 95 assists, 26 digs, 8 aces, 3 kills, and 1 block in just 10 sets. Laing's exceptional performance earned her the distinction of being the first back-to-back MVP in over a decade. With another tournament left to compete, she has the opportunity to further solidify her already remarkable career, where she holds the top position in assists per set.

Jana Laing hails from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and is completing her Bachelor of Science at Lakeland College.

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GAME ON: A GLIMPSE AHEAD

Looking ahead, Laing and the Rustlers will look to defend their title at the CCAA Women's National Volleyball Championships in Red Deer, AB, from March 7-10.