NINE TIMES

The Algonquin Thunder improved to 9-0-0 on the season, but not before a couple of nailbiters along the way.

In the battle of unbeatens, Algonquin outlasted St. Lawrence-Kingston 3-2. Although the Thunder never trailed in the match, they finally allowed a goal against, and were tied 2-2 before fourth-year forward Vanessa Macmillan (Ottawa) completed a hat trick with the game-winning goal in the 80th minute.

Algonquin then hosted Cambrian in a match between 2014 OCAA medalists. The reigning silver medalists edged the bronze winners 2-1, riding two early goals to victory.

Although the regional title isn't quite theirs yet, the Thunder are in a comfortable position moving forward. Algonquin has won the two-match season series against Cambrian, and has one match against St. Lawrence to end the regular season. And with a couple of head-to-head matches yet to be played between Cambrian and St. Lawrence, the Thunder are poised to repeat as east champions.

ADVANTAGE ST. CLAIR

In the province's west side, a battle of unbeatens went St. Clair's way, defeating Fanshawe 2-1.

Two early goals by third-year defender Brittany Chapieski (Belle River) and fourth-year forward Tiffany Trembley (Tecumseh) sealed the deal, although Jade Kovacevic (Georgetown) made it close for Fanshawe with her 19th goal of the season in the 77th minute. Kovacevic is now one goal away from tying the OCAA single season record.

The Saints may currently have the upper hand, but it appears that next Tuesday's return match against Fanshawe at St. Clair will ultimately decide the west champion. The regional champions earn an automatic bye into the OCAA championship.

GRAND CENTRAL

The top two teams in the central division lock horns this week, with a regional title up for grabs.

Humber leads Sheridan by two points atop the standings. Presuming it stays this way (Sheridan hosts George Brown, while UTM visits Humber in Tuesday matches), there will be a ton at stake in Saturday's head-to-head battle.

When these teams met on Sept. 22, Humber prevailed 2-1. Fourth-year players Jayde Wiklund-Roach (Toronto) and Alora Walcott (Toronto) scored goals for the Hawks, while first-year midfielder Alahia McPherson (Brampton) responded for Sheridan.

Since this contest, Humber has won three times, losing once. Sheridan is undefeated in its past four games (two wins, two ties).

POST-SEASON BOUND

Seven of the dozen teams advancing to the OCAA post-season have already been determined despite the jockeying for position yet to come.

All three division leaders have clinched playoff berths, including Algonquin (9-0-0), Humber (5-1-1) and St. Clair (7-0-0). Conveniently, all three second place teams are also headed to the post-season, including St. Lawrence-Kingston (7-1-0), Sheridan (4-1-2) and Fanshawe (6-1-0).

Of the bids still yet to be determined, both Niagara (3-2-2) and Seneca (3-2-2) will both advance in the central with its next wins or a George Brown (1-5-1) loss. Fittingly, Niagara visits Seneca on Wednesday.

Cambrian (6-2-1) is within a victory or Durham (3-4-2) loss of clinching the final berth out of the east region outright.

The west region is an exciting race with three teams in a tight race for the final two playoff berths. Mohawk (4-3-0) has the advantage over Conestoga (2-5-0) and Lambton (2-5-0) with three matches to play.

Fleming (2-6-1) earns an automatic berth into the quarter-finals as a result of being OCAA championship host.

RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING GAMES

Source: OCAA Communications