24
February
2014
|
09:57 AM
America/New_York

Mohawk Mountaineers claim gold at OCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship

Barrie, ON – It came down to a thrilling fifth set tiebreak, but in the end it was the Mohawk Mountaineers who claimed the gold medal at the 2014 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Men’ s Volleyball Championship hosted at Georgian College in Barrie.

After claiming the first set 25-22, the Mountaineers found themselves in trouble dropping two straight sets to the OCAA’s top ranked team the Humber Hawks by scores of 25-16 and 25-22.

With their backs against the wall, the Mountaineers staved off elimination multiple times and eventually got the better of the Hawks in an incredible 30-28 fourth set sending the match to a fifth set tiebreak.

In the game’s final frame the Mountaineers carried all the momentum and clinched the gold medal with a 15-8 set to win the match 3-2.

Mohawk’s Trevor McLaughlin put together a 21 point performance in the final game including 18 kills, one service ace and twio stuff blocks, while adding 14 digs. Eric Danecke had 13 kills, one ace and two blocks. Bryce Marcussen contributed nine kills, one ace and three blocks. Terrel Bramwell who was named the championships most valuable player had a brilliant performance in the final for Humber as he posted 27 kills in helping his team earn the silver medal.

For the Mountaineers it’s their fourth consecutive year medaling at the OCAA Championship and their first gold medal since the 2007-08 season. For Humber they have now medaled in four of the last five years and return to the podium after being shut out a season ago.

Both the Mountaineers and the Humber Hawks have qualified for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Volleyball National Championship which takes place March 4th through 8th at Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan.

After winning each of their semi-final matches in the 3rd place side the Fanshawe Falcons and Algonquin Thunder squared off for the bronze medal in their second games of the day. Algonquin, who were pushed to the limit by the Durham Lords in a five set marathon in the semis, seemed to run out of gas in the bronze final.

Fanshawe came out aggressive leading to a clean 3-0 sweep over the Thunder by set scores of 25-19, 25-16, and 25-22 to earn the bronze medal at the Championship.

Derek Braun was named player of the game for Fanshawe after a 13 point effort while Ian McAlpine was awarded player of the game for Algonquin with a 7 point effort.

The bronze medal for Fanshawe is the first time they have won a medal at the event since the 2006-07 season when they also earned bronze.