FINAL COUNTDOWN

The closing days of the 2015-16 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) men's volleyball regular season are upon us, with the post-season dance card in clearer focus.

But in a salut to the competitive balance in both divisions, a regional champion has not yet been crowned. These will be decided in the not too distance future.

In the east, Durham (15-3) continues to control its own destiny, with Fleming (14-4), Trent (14-4), Seneca (13-4) and Georgian (13-5) hot on the Lords' heels. All five of these teams will advance to the post-season, with the top team (other than Seneca) earning a bye to the OCAA championship. Durham hosts Seneca in a key match this Thursday, followed by its regular season finale at Georgian.

In the west, Fanshawe (14-2) leads defending OCAA champion Niagara (13-3) by one match. The good news for Fanshawe is that it has already secured a bye along with host Seneca to provincials as a result of a guaranteed top-two finish. Niagara still has Mohawk (11-5), Redeemer (11-5) and Sheridan (11-5) in the rear view mirror for the second bye out of the west. Humber (9-6) has also clinched a post-season berth.

Ten of the post-season bound teams already have double digit win totals this season, setting up a competitive race to the 2016 provincial title.

THE OTHER GUYS

Twelve teams ultimately earn a post-season berth. Despite the sub-.500 records of George Brown (8-10) and Loyalist (6-11), one of these programs will secure the sixth and final playoff berth in the east.

With Loyalist sweeping the season series between these clubs, the Lancers have the head-to-head tiebreaker in hand. Unfortunately for Loyalist, it does not have a huge margin for error. Loyalist must win at least two of its last three matches at Trent, at Seneca and home to Centennial (4-13).

George Brown automatically secures a playoff spot with wins at Centennial and home to Seneca. A loss opens the door for Loyalist.

LITMUS TESTS

With teams jockeying for seeding in the post-season, there are some key regular season matches on the horizon.

On Wednesday, Mohawk hosts Humber. The Mountaineers have dropped two straight, while Humber is 2-4 since the new year. Both teams are looking to gain positive momentum headed to the playoffs.

On Saturday, Humber visits Fanshawe, with the Falcons looking to secure the west regional crown if they have not done so already.

Next Tuesday, Niagara visits Sheridan as these programs jockey for post-season position. Niagara could still be in the hunt for first place.

Finally, the final regular season chapter in the Battle of Peterborough takes place as Fleming hosts Trent. The latter moves on to Ontario University Athletics next season.

RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications