BARRIE, Ont. - The elite eight are set to compete for provincial glory at the 2018 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Men's Volleyball Championship presented by belairdirect, hosted by Georgian College in Barrie, Ont., from Thursday through Saturday.
With the defending OCAA gold medalist Mohawk Mountaineers eliminated from post-season play, there will be a new champion crowned this Saturday. In fact, last year's silver medalist Durham Lords will also be watching from the sidelines, resulting in a new head-to-head match-up for gold.
The Fanshawe Falcons are the only 2017 medal-winning team that have advanced to this year's provincials. The reigning bronze medalists left nothing to chance this season, going undefeated in West Division play for a 19-0 record heading into the championship.
Georgian looks to keep its undefeated record at home intact. The Grizzlies went 17-1 overall to claim the East Division title. As host Georgian received an automatic bye into the championship, but are well deserving of their No. 1 East seed.
East rival Fleming Knights are streaking in the right direction having won six straight matches. Also on a hot streak are the Humber Hawks, who have won 15 of their last 16 OCAA matches. The Conestoga Condors went on the road in the OCAA crossovers and defeated Canadore in five sets to clinch their first spot at provincials since returning to OCAA men's volleyball in the 2010-11 season.
The George Brown Huskies, Niagara Knights and Redeemer Royals round out the competition. All three of these teams have double digit win totals on the season.
A total of 11 matches will be played in a span of three days. The OCAA quarter-finals will take place on Thursday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. Winning teams will advance to the OCAA semi-finals on Friday, followed by the bronze and gold medal matches on Saturday.
While each team is guaranteed at least two matches, they must win their quarter-final match to remain in OCAA medal contention. Losing teams in the quarter-finals will compete in the consolation round Friday, with the final taking place Saturday.
The OCAA champion advances to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men's Volleyball National Championship, taking place in Victoria next month.
Championship Website: www.ocaa.com/mvb
Championship Webcast: www.youtube.com/user/GeorgianGrizzlies
Championship Schedule
Thursday, February 22
Quarter-Finals
Game 1: Redeemer vs. George Brown - 1 p.m.
Game 2: Fleming vs. Fanshawe - 3 p.m.
Game 3: Conestoga vs. Humber - 6 p.m.
Game 4: Niagara vs. Georgian - 8 p.m.
Friday, February 23
Consolation Round
Game 5: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 - 1 p.m.
Game 6: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 - 3 p.m.
Semi-Finals
Game 7: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 - 6 p.m.
Game 8: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 - 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 24
Consolation Final
Game 9: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6 - 12 p.m.
Bronze Medal Match
Game 10: Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8 - 2 p.m.
Winning team presented OCAA Bronze Medal at conclusion of match
Gold Medal Match
Game 11: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8 - 5 p.m.
OCAA Gold and Silver Medals presented at conclusion of match
- OCAA -
ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is the recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student-athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 29 members sponsoring 12 varsity sports.
For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com