By: Megan Daniels
Reporter

The Mohawk Mountaineers women's volleyball program has advanced to the OCAA Final Four for the first time in 11 years after defeating the Algonquin Wolves 3-0 (25-8, 25-12, 25-9).

Mohawk had reached the OCAA quarterfinals in the previous three seasons, but were unsuccessful advancing any further.

"This is the match that we've been in for years and haven't been able to figure out how to win," head coach Matthew Schnarr said. "I'm very proud of this group, they deserve it."

Middle blocker Rachel Vanderwal (Hamilton, ON) led Mohawk versus Algonquin with nine kills and Kaelyn Emslie (St. Catharines, ON) provided eight kills. Sofia Spoljar (Hamilton, ON) and Julia Watson (Burlington, ON) also played a strong match with seven kills each.

Setter Amanda Kuiper (Woodstock, ON) spread the ball around for 23 assists.

"We're finding ways to play together and stay alive," Schnarr said.

With the win, Schnarr has officially won 200 career matches, including both regular season and playoffs. The last time the veteran coach appeared in the OCAA Final Four was in 2017 when he coached the Mountaineers men's volleyball team to a gold medal.

This year the OCAA Final Four for women's volleyball will take place at Durham College in Oshawa from March 16-17.

"We're definitely not the favourite in their gym so we need to take on that underdog role," Schnarr said.

The Mountaineers will face the undefeated Durham Lords on Mar. 16. Game time is still to be confirmed. The game will be available to stream through the OCAA portal.