OSHAWA, Ont. - The Humber College women's volleyball team took another step in their quest to repeat as OCAA champions by defeating Trent University 3-1 in the semi-final round Friday night at the CRWC. Set scores were 16-25, 28-26, 25-16, and 25-21.
Humber has established themselves as a powerhouse in the OCAA earning the last six provincial titles. The victory over Trent now sends them into the gold medal game where they will face Fanshawe College and look to extend their championship streak to seven, matching the all-time record set by Seneca from 1990 to 1996.
The semi-final game required the Hawks to battle back from a deficit as Trent was productive early capturing the first set. However, Humber was able to find their rhythm and led by OCAA player of the year and game MVP Kelly Nyhof (Georgetown, Ont.) rallied off three straight set victories to send them to the gold medal game. Nyhof recorded a team-high 12 kills alongside four digs, two blocked shots and four service aces illustrating her importance to this Hawks team.
The Excalibur showcased a versatile offence throughout the four set match as three players registered double digit kills, however, it would not be enough to end the reign of the Hawks. Trent was led up front by Sarah MacLaren (Renfrew, Ont.) who showed exceptional play in the front court converting more than half of her attacks for 10 kills, three blocked shots and two digs. Much of Trent and MacLaren's success came courtesy of setter and game MVP Erin Clancy (Woodbridge, Ont.) who was all over the court setting up her teammates with 35 assists along with nine digs and one kill.
The gold medal game now set between Humber and Fanshawe will take place Saturday night at 6 p.m. As for the Excalibur, they will look to regroup in the bronze medal semi-final Saturday morning at 11 a.m. against Georgian College.
Durham College is proud to host the OCAA Women's Volleyball Championship (Feb. 20-22) and the OCAA Volleyball/Basketball All-Star Games (Mar. 22) at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.
Source: Durham College
Photo Credit: Al Fournier