Both on and off the court, the Lafayette boys volleyball team has continued to rise in recent weeks.

Following a hard-fought loss undefeated state powerhouse Oakville (18-0) on March 14, the Lancers have won nine straight matches and sit at 14-6-2 on the season.

“We proved to ourselves [against Oakville] that even with a loss, we were close to beating one of the best teams in the state. We know we can play with, and beat, anyone. We will be ready for the next time we face Oakville,” junior Tim Heath said.

The team’s latest victory came in the form of a 3-0 dismantling of Parkway South on April 27. Senior Paul McGhee and Heath led with seven kills each as the team won its games 25-10, 25-17 and 25-7.

“We’re just playing as a team and everything’s coming together. We haven’t changed anything. Our passings improved and it allows [junior  setter Luke] Robbe to get it to our hitters. Hopefully we can keep it up,” junior Luke Kreienkamp said.

And now the national media has taken notice with the magazine  ESPN Rise ranking Lafayette 46th in the country. Next up for the Lancers is a big rematch against DeSmet (16-7), whom the Lancers upset in the Parkway South Tournament final on April 16. That 5:15 p.m. matchup will take place on May 3 in the Lafayette Gym.