ETOBICOKE, Ont -- Top-ranked Fanshawe (18-0, 1st West) began its defence of the OCAA men's volleyball crown with a straight-sets victory over the Conestoga Condors Thursday afternoon at the North Campus Gym, 25-19, 25-10, and 25-16.
In the first set, both teams struggled with their serves, as there were a number of errors at the line. Conestoga (10-8, 5th West) was able to hang with the defending champions for much of the first set. Unfortunately for the Condors, a 6-2 run by the Falcons late in the frame gave Fanshawe the victory as they took the opening set, 25-19. Fourth-year outside hitter Zach Albert led the way for Fanshawe in the first picking up three points all coming by way of kills.
The next set began much like the first with neither team having much success with their serve. Fanshawe was finally able to go on a run, scoring eight straight points, capped off by a Mitch McFadden block giving them a 13-5 lead. The deficit proved too much for the Condors, as they were unable to take back the momentum in the set falling to the Falcons 25-10.
Both teams found their service game in the third set combining for ten total, with Fanshawe picking up seven behind the line. The Condors fought hard to keep pace with the Falcons throughout the frame but fell behind midway through the set, thanks to an 8-1 run for Fanshawe. The Falcons rolled for the rest of the frame, finishing the match on a 13-3 run to take the third and final set 25-16.
Despite their victory, the Falcons will hope to improve from behind the line after committing 15 serving errors in the match.
Second-year right side Kevin Duong was named Player of the Game for the Condors leading the team with seven points on, five kills and two aces.
Fourth-year outside hitter and reigning OCAA Championship MVP Zach Albert was named the player of the game for Fanshawe, finishing with 14 points on 11 kills, two aces, and a block.
No. 1 Fanshawe will now face No. 14 Redeemer in the semifinal tomorrow at 6 p.m. Conestoga will see La Cité in the consolation round at 1 p.m.