PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – The host Trent Excalibur fell to defending champion Humber Hawks in straight sets during the quarter-finals at the OCAA Women's Volleyball Championship.
In the third match-up of the day, the East Division fourth place Excalibur put forth a strong effort, keeping games close but ultimately fell victim to the dominant West Division Champion Hawks, who won in three straight sets 25-14, 25-22, 25-23.
"We ended up facing a tough team with lots of experience. This helped our team gain some valuable experience moving forward," said Excalibur assistant coach Mike Halloran.
Excalibur player Sarah MacLaren (Renfrew) added, "Humber is a really tough team and we put forth a great effort. We are disappointed in the result of the game but we are looking forward to a better performance tomorrow."
The first set began with both teams exchanging points until Humber pulled away to a 12-7 lead. Trent gave their best effort to stay in the set with some solid defence but the Hawks offensive proved to be too much for the Excalibur in the first set as they fell 25-14. Leading the attack for Humber was Kelly Nyhof (Georgetown) with four kills and one block.
Trent came out fighting in the second set keeping things close as both teams sat tied at 12-12 midway through the match. Sam Belsey (Peterborough) provided some great passes and solid defence for Trent. The Excalibur women fought hard and won some big points but ended up falling short 25-22.
The third set started with Humber taking a quick 13-8 lead. However, Trent fought back thanks to great digs, blocking and serving. Mira Van Burck (Star City, Sask.) came in late in the set and kept Trent alive bringing the score to 23-24 but the Excalibur were unable to close out the set as Humber came out on top, 25-23.
Player of the Game for Trent was setter Erin Clancy (Woodbridge) and the top player for Humber was Nyhof (10 Kills, three blocks).
The next match-up for the Trent is at 3 p.m. Friday against the losing team of the Fanshawe and Cambrian match-up while Humber will be facing the winner of the same match at 8 p.m.
Source: Trent University