NORTH YORK, Ont. – The Durham College men's volleyball team gave it their all in their OCAA championship quarter-final, but were unable to shut down the No. 8 ranked Niagara Knights on Thursday afternoon.
 
Durham, who finished in a tie for first place in the east division, had to knock off Humber in a qualifying match to make the championship, while Niagara earned their bye to the championship by finishing second in the west division.
 
In the opening set the Lords got out to a quick start, but Niagara quickly bounced back to take a multi-point lead. Durham battled back to close the gap, but eventually fell 25-21.
 
The Knights momentum carried through the second as they went ahead 2-0 with a 25-20 set win.
 
Durham didn't go easily though as they pushed Niagara in the third, losing by a slim margin, 25-23.
 
Erik Janssen (Hampton, Ont.) was named the Lords player of the game for his performance, which included seven kills, two blocks and five digs.
 
Matt McGirr (Brampton, Ont.) tied the team-high of seven kills, while adding an ace. Andrew Watson (Uxbridge, Ont.) and Harrison Wood (Nebraska, U.S.) each had six kills and a block.
 
Cole Jordan had the game-high 14 kills for the Knights, while his teammate Jeff Scott added 11. At the service line for Niagara, Nathan Snippe had the game-high four aces.
 
The Lords now face the Fleming Knights at 1 p.m. on Friday in their consolation semifinal. During the regular season the two teams split their season series.
 
OCAA CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE (HOSTED BY SENECA) 
Thursday, Feb. 25
Game 1 – Mohawk def. Fleming 3-0
Game 2 – Niagara def. Durham 3-0
Game 3 – Fanshawe def. Trent 3-0
Game 4 – Sheridan def. Seneca 3-2
 
Friday, Feb. 26
Game 5 – Durham vs. Fleming – 1 PM
Game 6 – Trent vs. Seneca – 3 PM
Game 7 – Mohawk vs. Niagara – 6 PM
Game 8 – Fanshawe vs. Sheridan – 8 PM
 
Saturday, Feb. 27
Consolation Final – 12 PM
Bronze Medal Match – 2 PM
Gold Medal Match – 5 PM