OSHAWA, Ont. - It wasn't always easy, but the Durham College women's volleyball team earned its third consecutive sweep, defeating the Algonquin Thunder at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre on Friday night.

The Lords swept both matches with the Thunder this season, and the victory keeps Durham (12-5) alive for the second bye in the OCAA east, while Algonquin (6-10) drops out of the playoff picture and into seventh place with two games remaining.

Jessica Broad (Courtice, Ont.) and Melissa Semeniuk (Pickering, Ont.) each had seven kills for the Lords, while Alysha Johnson (Brooklin, Ont.) added five kills, seven digs and two service aces.

The Thunder jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the opening set, but Durham battled back to take a 17-12 lead. The Lords then scored seven of the final eight points to take the set 25-18.

The Lords took control early in the second set, taking an early 5-1 lead. The Thunder battled back to 7-6, but Durham put up seven straight points en route to the win, again by a 25-18 margin.

It was a slow start to the third set for Durham, as Algonquin opened up a 6-3 lead. The Lords rallied to tie the set 9-9, then took control midway through the set with a 10-1 run to take a 22-13 lead. However, the Thunder surged back into the set with an 11-2 run to tie it at 24. From there, it was back and forth until the Lords closed out the match with a 28-26 triumph.

Leading Algonquin at the net was Alixandra Burkart with eight kills and one block. Jamie Bullbrook had five kills, three service aces and one block.

The Lords close out their regular season at home on Thursday against the Fleming Knights. Game time is at 6 p.m.

Source: Durham College

Photo Credit: Al Fournier