FANSHAWE 3, SENECA 0

OSHAWA, Ont. - The Fanshawe College women's volleyball team earned a spot in the OCAA gold medal game after defeating Seneca College 3-0 in the semi-final round Friday night at the CRWC. Set scores were 25-19, 25-20 and 25-17.

Fanshawe will enter the provincial title game looking to put an end to their gold medal drought that dates back to 1972. This strong semi-final performance featured several players contributing allowing the Falcons to build momentum heading into this gold medal drive.

 OCAA all-rookie and game MVP Darian Gropp (Kitchener, Ont.) acted as the conductor of the Falcons attack tallying a total of 22 assists to go along with 10 digs and one spectacular blocked shot. Front-court teammates Shelby Charlton (Strathroy, Ont.), Brandie Ellis (Newbury, Ont.) and Kaitlynn Kelly (Kitchener, Ont.) all benefitted from Gropp's pinpoint sets as they combined for 24 kills in the straight set sweep.

The Sting received a stellar performance from veteran outside hitter Rebecca Sobie (Mississauga, Ont.) who collected eight kills, 11 digs, two service aces and a blocked shot earning her game MVP. She will look to lead her team alongside outstanding tournament performers Lindsay Ballance (Napanee, Ont.) and Paulynne Reyes (Edmonton, Alta.) in the bronze medal semi-final against Redeemer University Saturday morning at 9 a.m.

Despite being knocked out of gold medal contention, the Sting will still have the opportunity to capture a national title as they receive an automatic bid into the CCAA championship as tournament host.

For the Falcons they will take on the winner of Friday night's primetime matchup between Trent University and six time defending OCAA champions Humber College. The provincial title game will take place Saturday at 6 p.m.

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