HAWKS, SAINTS MEET FOR OCAA WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

KING CITY, Ont. - The Humber Hawks will look to win their fifth straight OCAA Women's Volleyball Championship following a four-set win over the Seneca Sting 25-20, 25-20, 24-26, 28-26 in the semi-finals.

Humber 3 – Seneca 1

For two sets, it looked like the Hawks were going to cruise to another gold medal match appearance. The Hawks dug the best the Sting could send their way and took advantage of their height advantage at the net to take a two set to none lead.

In front of a packed gym, the Sting showed their colours late in the third set. Trailing 24-22, the Sting took advantage of strong serving from Asya Dogroer to score four straight points and extend the match. In the fourth set, the Hawks trailed early, but jumped out to a 19-16 lead. The Sting responded by taking a 25-24 lead before the strong Hawks defence kept the match alive, ultimately leading to a Hawks' victory.

Hanna Manners paced the Hawks with 14 kills and 12 digs. Hughes and Caitlyn Labelle each added 10 kills. The Sting were led by Dogruer who finished with 16 kills. Mikyla Patras had 11 kills and 14 digs.

Faith Hughes was named Player of the Match for the Hawks while Dogroer took the honours for the Sting.

St. Clair 3 – Durham 1

The St. Clair Saints punched their ticket to the OCAA gold medal match, defeating the Durham Lords in four sets 22-25, 25-16, 26-24, 25-12.

The win for the Saints sets up a rematch from last season's championship final against the Humber Hawks, won by the Hawks.

The Lords, underdogs against the West Division champion Saints came out swinging in the first set take an early lead in the match. The Saints settled in the second set thanks to an overwhelming attack, led by OCAA Player of the Year Kiana Huggins.

In a pivotal swing set, it was the Saints coming out on top, winning a pair of crucial points late. The Saints put it all together in the fourth set, suffocating the Lords' attack to earn a chance to play for the gold medal.

Higgins led the Saints with 16 kills and 11 while Hannah Gill added 14 digs. Emma Clements controlled the offence with 41 assists. Jessie Buck finished with 10 kills for the Lords while Elizabeth McFarland and Chelsea Oke each had 10 digs.

Harley Smith was named Player of the Match for the Saints while McFarland earned the accolades for the Lords.

Source: Seneca Sting

Live Webcast: www.ocaa.com/live

Friday, February 27
Semi-Finals
Semi-Final #1: Humber def. Seneca 3-1
Semi-Final #2: St. Clair def. Durham 3-1

Saturday, February 28
Bronze Medal Match
Durham vs. Seneca - 3:30 p.m.
Winning team presented OCAA Bronze Medal at conclusion of match

Gold Medal Match
Humber vs. St. Clair - 6 p.m.
OCAA Gold and Silver Medals presented at conclusion of match

- OCAA -

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