Two undefeated OCAA seasons are in the books for both of Fanshawe’s Varsity Volleyball teams. Between the two teams, the programs record sits at 44 wins and 0 losses headed into the CCAA National Championships in a week and a half.
The women’s team had a tougher path getting to the finals, as the 11 year defending champions, the Humber Hawks stood in their way. This proved to be no challenge for Fanshawe as they took down the Hawks in straight sets, for a birth in the finals. “Beating Humber was really a statement win for us. They were the champions for 11 years in a row, so to end that streak felt real good,” says Falcons captain Meghan Morelli.
Another straight set win took place in the final as Fanshawe took down the Niagara College Knights in Sudbury. OCAA MVP and tournament MVP Janelle Albert lead the way for the Falcons on the service line, and offensively up front. “Janelle has been such a great asset to our team this season. She is a quiet leader who is competitive and obviously has unbelievable talent and makes us all play better,” adds Morelli.
Janelle’s brother Zachary Albert helped the men’s program earn their second OCAA Championship in two years over the host school the Humber Hawks. Zach followed in his sisters foot steps also claiming tournament MVP and was named a First Team All Star.
The men’s team sailed to the finals with straight set wins over both Conestoga and Redeemer, before meeting Humber in the final. In a match that was a lot closer than most expected Fanshawe prevailed in the fifth set winning 15-10, capturing the championship.
Right side hitter Sam Otten played a big role in the fifth set victory, serving four straight points getting the Falcons up 14-10 before closing out the game off of Humber’s serve to win 15-11. 
This is the first time in Fanshawe history that both the Mens and Women’s Volleyball Teams have won an OCAA Provincial Championship in the same year. “Knowing that Fanshawe has the two best volleyball teams in the province is such a proud feeling. We are just going to keep rooting for each other at nationals and hope that we both can bring home another gold medal,” says Morelli.
The men will head to Alberta, while the women will stay close to home and compete at Niagara College as they both look to win a CCAA Championship.
