OH SNAP

Coming off a perfect 6-0 mark in January, and on a eight match winning streak, the Durham Lords were riding high in the OCAA east region.

But a reality check came in the form of the Fleming Knights on Tuesday. Fleming knocked off Durham in four sets for a key road victory.

Third-year left side Jacob White (Brockville) recorded 18 kills and totaled 21 points, while second-year teammate Jeffrey Ardron (Peterborough) contributed 10 kills in a winning cause. White leads the OCAA averaging 5.3 points per set.

It is a tight race atop the east region, with only one available bye to provincials. Durham (14-3), Fleming (13-4) and Trent (12-4) are all in the hunt for the elusive prize, with Seneca (13-2) also in the hunt for a regional crown. Seneca plays host to the OCAA championship, and earns an automatic bye into the tournament.

STING OPERATION

One way or another, Seneca will have an impact on the race for top spot in the east standings.

Seneca plays three consecutive road matches against Fleming, Trent and Durham, beginning Friday. The Sting currently boast a 6-0 road record, and can secure the top seed out of the east region with a strong showing in these matches.

First-year player Sidney Wilding (Oshawa) is Seneca's top offensive threat averaging 2.91 kills and 3.4 points per set.

Seneca's only two losses came against Fleming and Trent at home.

MILLENNIAL FALCONS

Over in the west region, the Fanshawe Falcons are so close to dropping the mic on the regular season.

In a showdown for first place, Fanshawe prevailed with a three-set sweep of Mohawk. First-year middle James Jackson (London) tallied 11 kills in the victory. Jackson recorded double digits in points in all four of Fanshawe's matches in January.

First-place Fanshawe (13-2) now leads Mohawk (11-4) by two matches with three to play, having won six straight. Everything is coming up Fanshawe recently, being named host for next year's nationals.

BEST OF THE WEST

Along with the aforementioned Fanshawe and Mohawk, Niagara (11-3), Redeemer (10-4), Sheridan (10-5) and Humber (9-5) can all rest easy, already clinching a post-season berth for 2016. The only question now is seeding.

Of these six programs, the top two earn an automatic bye into provincials, while the remaining four play a qualifying match against an east opponent. The third- and fourth-place teams host these qualifiers, while the fifth- and sixth-place teams travel due east.

Last season, all six post-season teams from the west region advanced to provincials (including host St. Clair), sweeping the OCAA medal podium.

RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications