NEW QUEENS OF THE BLOCK

Mandi Doris' reign as all-time blocks leader of OCAA women's volleyball came to an end on Saturday when not one, but two student-athletes surpassed her record of 217.

Fanshawe fifth-year middle Stephanie Bignell (Drayton, Ont.) actually pulled even with Doris last Thursday, and with her first block against Sheridan, became the new all-time leader. She ended the match with seven blocks, raising the new standard to 224.

Just under 200 kilometres away as the crow flies, Georgian fifth-year middle Hannah Campbell (Midland, Ont.) recorded her 218th career block in a match against Trent. Campbell added two more against Fleming on Sunday to increase her total to 220, four behind front-running Bignell.

There is a chance the blocks title could change hands again, but Bignell does hold an advantage with two extra matches remaining on the OCAA schedule.

While it is impossible to project what will happen (this is why games are not played on paper but on the court), let's make an attempt anyway.

Bignell is currently second in the OCAA averaging 0.86 blocks per set. Fanshawe has averaged 3.5 sets per match this season. With six matches remaining, Bignell is on pace for an additional 18 blocks for a projected total of 242.

Campbell is fourth in the OCAA averaging 0.80 blocks per set. Georgian has averaged 3.57 sets per match in 2014-15. With four matches remaining, Campbell is on pace for an additional 11 blocks for a projected total of 231.

While history doesn't necessarily repeat itself, let's crunch the numbers another way. Bignell and Campbell have already played their upcoming opponents this season. If each player equals their block totals in these matches, the numbers shake out as the following:

While Bignell's numbers drop by three, she is still in line to finish the season as the blocks record holder.

Campbell will get a consolation prize for her efforts, however. Not only is she heading to the post-season with her fellow Grizzlies, Georgian is in great position to earn a bye directly into the OCAA championship at Redeemer beginning Feb. 26.

FINDING THE GOLDEN TICKET

Georgian (13-1) is the only team in the east region that has earned a post-season berth outright. With two additional victories, the Grizzlies will wrap up the regional championship and the top seed out of the east at the OCAA championship.

Four teams from the west region have locked up playoff berths in the west region, including Humber (14-0), Sheridan (11-4), Niagara (10-3) and OCAA championship host Redeemer (7-6). Humber can wrap up the regional title (and regional championship) with its next victory.

The top six teams in each region earn post-season berths. If Redeemer falls out of the top six, only the top five teams in the west advance.

REVERSAL OF FORTUNE

The Trent Excalibur, who won their first-ever OCAA medal last season, have won three out of their past four matches after dropping three of the previous four.

While top spot in the division looks out of reach, Trent (10-5) is still very much in the hunt for second place, and an important bye into the championship.

Fourth-year outside hitter Sarah MacLaren (Renfrew, Ont.) had her strongest statistical output since November in a 3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 25-21) win at Canadore. She totaled 11 kills, five blocks and three service aces for a match-high 19 points. She continues to lead all Excalibur averaging 3.5 points per set.

KEY VICTORY

The Seneca Sting outlasted the Durham Lords 3-2 (25-19, 18-25, 25-18, 17-25, 15-12) to move into a tie with Canadore for second place at 10-4.

Seneca also defeated Durham in five sets earlier in the season, gaining an all-important head-to-head tiebreaker in what is a competitive east region.

Second-year middle Lauren Watt (Barrie, Ont.) led the way for Seneca with 11 kills, four blocks an an ace totaling 16 points.

Seneca gained a huge assist with Trent's win over Canadore. The Sting lost to Canadore in straight sets in both meetings this season, so additional help will be needed if Seneca is to finish ahead of the Panthers.

THE OTHER WOMEN

Unfortunately there is less drama in the west region, with Humber about to clinch the region and direct entry into the championship, and Redeemer earning a bye as tournament host.

Home court advantage in the qualifying round seems to be secured as well. Sheridan is currently holding on to second place, with Niagara is in third. The latter has two matches in hand as well as a future meeting with Sheridan, so these teams could easily flip in the standings.

The wild card (to steal an expression from professional sports) in the region is St. Clair. Coming off a sweep at home over Sheridan, at 8-4, the Saints have three matches in hand over the Bruins, and one over Niagara. St. Clair plays its regular season finale at Niagara, just to add some intrigue.

The Saints have been streaky this season, with a three game winning streak followed by a three game losing streak followed by a four game winning streak. St. Clair will need to continue its winning ways if its aims to host its first playoff match in its new sports complex.

RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications