Falcons Punch their Ticket to OCAA Championship

(London, ON) – The Fanshawe Falcons Women's Volleyball team (11-9, 4th West) secured their spot in the OCAA Championship with a dominant straight-sets victory over the visiting Conestoga Condors (8-12, 8th West) in Saturday's OCAA Quarter-Final matchup.

The Falcons came out strong in this battle of the birds, setting the tone early with a relentless service game that kept Conestoga on the back foot. Kaidance Matteis (Chatham, ON) was a force at the net, leading Fanshawe with four blocks and adding eight points. Her defensive presence was evident throughout, shutting down the Condors' attack and helping the Falcons cruise to a 25-8 first set win.

The second set was a tighter contest, with both teams trading points early to reach a 10-10 deadlock. Grace McLean (Dorchester, ON) powered the Falcons' offense, finishing with a game-high 14 points, including 11 kills and three blocks. McLean's offensive spark helped Fanshawe pull away, securing the second set 25-18.

Refusing to go down without a fight, Conestoga opened the third set with a strong run, building a 15-10 lead. The Falcons responded with poise, as Ally Taylor (Regina, SK) stepped up in the clutch, delivering two key kills to put Fanshawe ahead 20-19. Taylor was instrumental in the team's offensive efficiency, recording a game-high 31 assists along with seven digs. With Taylor orchestrating the attack, the Falcons completed the comeback to take the set 25-23, sealing the 3-0 match victory.

With the Quarter-Final win, Fanshawe advances to the OCAA Championship final four, set for February 21-22 at Humber College. The Falcons now turn their attention to a Semi-Final matchup versus the No.11 nationally ranked St. Clair Saints (18-2, 2nd West), at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21 in Etobicoke. 

-30-