Falcons Defeat Redeemer to Secure OCAA Championship Spot

(London, ON) – The No. 10 nationally ranked Fanshawe Falcons Men's Volleyball team (16-4, 3rd West) punched their ticket to the OCAA Championship with a four-set victory over the visiting Redeemer Royals (8-12, 7th West) in Saturday's OCAA Quarter-Final matchup.

The opening set was a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading points in a display of high-powered offense. In a back-and-forth exchange that felt like two heavyweights going punch for punch, the teams found themselves locked at 20-20. Redeemer managed to edge out the Falcons late, taking the first set 25-23.

The intensity carried into the second set as both teams fought for a Semi-Final berth. Tanner Paterson (Baden, ON) was simply unstoppable, recording a game-high 18 kills, double that of the next closest player. With Paterson leading the offensive charge, Fanshawe powered through to claim the second set 25-22, evening the match at one set apiece.

Riding the momentum into the third, the Falcons continued to dominate, with Paterson leading the attack. Fresh off being named an OCAA West Division First Team All-Star for the third straight season, Jayden Crowther (London, ON) made his presence felt at the net, picking up a team-high three blocks and contributing seven points. With everything clicking, Fanshawe controlled the set and took it 25-18.

The Falcons put their foot on the gas in the fourth set, determined to close out the match. After an early exchange that saw the score tied at 8-8, Fanshawe won a crucial rally and never looked back. Zack Admans (St. Thomas, ON) delivered a strong performance, finishing second on the team with 12 points. He capped off the match with a soaring kill, sealing a dominant 25-14 fourth set victory and a 3-1 match win for the Falcons.

With the Quarter-Final triumph, Fanshawe now advances to the OCAA Championship, where they will face the No. 3 CCAA ranked Humber Hawks (18-2, 1st West) in a Semi-Final match. The final four event will be hosted by Cambrian College in Sudbury from February 22-23, game times to be determined. 

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