DURHAM 3, SENECA 0

OSHAWA, Ont. – The Durham College men's volleyball team looked to be in championship form on Thursday night as they swept the nationally ranked Seneca Sting 3-0 in front of a boisterous crowd at the CRWC.

Thursday's match had a playoff type atmosphere as the two top teams in the OCAA east region went to battle with Seneca entering the match at 13-1 while the Lords were in second place at 11-2. Seneca beat Durham 3-1 in North York in November.

The Lords were able to take the opening set quite easily by a score of 25-12, as Durham was relentless on the attack and from the service line. Craig Lush (Port Perry, Ont.) was unstoppable in the early stages of the game up the middle for the Lords.

In the second set, despite a better effort from the Sting, the Lords were able to utilize their size along the net which led to several blocks for the green and gold. Seneca came within striking distance midway through the set, however, the Lords were able sneak out with the win by a score of 25-19.

By the third set, Seneca seemed to have lost all confidence in their ability while the Lords maintained their relentless attack which led to a 25-13 victory.

Lush led the Durham offensive attack with 13 total points including 11 kills while Brad VanHartingsveldt registered 11 points. Steve Clarey, Luke Kilbourn and Kyle Kerstens had eight, seven and six points respectively in the win.

The Lords defence led by libero and former Seneca Sting Dan Popovic kept a number of plays alive throughout the three set victory, including a highlight reel kill by VanHartingsveldt which lifted the crowd to their feet.

Durham is 12-2 on the season, a half game behind Seneca for first place who are 13-2. This was Seneca's first loss in ten matches.

The Lords will head to Barrie on Saturday afternoon for a match against the Georgian Grizzlies (8-6). Durham's next home game is on Friday, February 1 against the Algonquin Thunder (11-3). First serve at the CRWC is 8 p.m.

Source: Durham College