(UN)EXPECTED

Two teams remain undefeated in OCAA women's volleyball nearing the December break. Both play in the same division. And if these programs follow their current trajectory, they are set for a collision course in the mid-season finale on Nov. 30.

One team is the seven-time defending provincial champions. The fact that Humber is undefeated is not unexpected. The Hawks have won 73 straight OCAA regular and post-season matches.

The other team has won five straight to begin 2014-15 after an 8-10 record last season. Niagara hasn't had a winning season since 2011-12. The Knights have just two OCAA medals in their history, their only championship coming in 1970. The fact that Niagara is undefeated was not expected.

But that's what makes sports great, with Niagara taking on the role of David to Humber's Goliath. The Knights have dropped just three sets this season (compared to Humber's one). Niagara's biggest win was a five-set win over Redeemer, who went to the OCAA bronze medal match last season.

Statistically, fifth-year outside hitter and Knights newcomer Lucy McLay (Stratford, Ont.) is among the OCAA leaders averaging 3.9 points per set. She has certainly been a valuable addition to the Niagara program.

Fourth-year outside hitter Thalia Hanniman (Pembroke, Ont.) leads the Hawks averaging 3.8 points per set.

COMPETITIVE BALANCE

Despite two undefeated teams (and Humber's three straight undefeated seasons), there are exciting races in both OCAA regions as teams target the unofficial mid-season title.

In the east, Georgian forced a three-way tie for first place following a five-set victory (25-21, 25-20, 12-25, 11-25, 17-15) over previously undefeated Trent. Georgian, Trent and Canadore all share 5-1 records and are all 1-1 against each other. Seven teams in the east are at .500 or better, with the top six guaranteed post-season berths.

In the west, three teams are tied for third place with 4-2 records, including Redeemer, Sheridan and St. Clair. Redeemer is the only teams not sweating its position in the standings, earning an automatic berth to the OCAA championship as host. Four other teams are within a game of the final playoff position in the west region.

MS. 200

Fifth-year Fanshawe player Stephanie Bignell (Drayton, Ont.) recently became just the second athlete in OCAA history to surpass 200 career blocks. She now has 202 to her credit.

Bignell will soon have company, however. Fifth-year Georgian middle Hannah Campbell (Midland, Ont.) currently has 191 career blocks, tying her for fourth on the all-time OCAA list.

The all-time record of 217 was set by Mandi Doris of Durham in 2010.

ROYAL ON A ROLL

Fourth-year right side Curtiss Straatsma (Brampton, Ont.) recently led Redeemer to a pair of five-set victories.

Straatsma had her best statistical performance of the early season at Fanshawe with 21 kills, five aces and three blocks for 29 points. She followed this up with 22 points on 17 kills, four aces and a block at St. Clair.

As a result of such performances, Straatsma is the current scoring leader in the OCAA averaging 4.2 points per set. She also leads the OCAA in total kills with 78.

RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications