The Trent Excalibur women’s and men’s Volleyball teams have ended their last season in the Ontario Colleges Athletics Association (OCAA) with strong performances at their provincial championships.

With both teams making the milestone move to the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) league next season, they finished strong in their final season in the OCAA, both advancing to the provincial championships. The men’s team had a tough first matchup against the number two nationally ranked Fanshawe College, and finished fifth in the province after defeating their hometown rival, Fleming Knights 3-2 in the final match. The women also wrapped up with a draw for a fifth place finish, coming up just short (1-3) to OCAA championship host, Canadore Panthers. After strong play throughout the season, and both teams finishing near the top of their conferences, each received recognition from the league and their peers at their respective awards banquets.

The women’s team was well represented at their banquet on February 25 at Canadore College in North Bay, with three athletes recognized for their play this season. Sarah MacLaren, a fifth year Nursing student, was named a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian in her final OCAA season. Ms. MacLaren was fifth in OCAA scoring, averaging 3.8 points per set and contributing 235 points on 161 kills, 53 blocks, and 21 service aces. Ms. MacLaren is also an OCAA east division first-team all-star.

“This year Sarah grew as a leader and as a volleyball player. Sarah was the captain of the team where she displayed not only leadership on the court, but learned how to be a leader off the court by mentoring and guiding young athletes,” said Craig Barclay, head coach of the Trent Excalibur women’s team. “Sarah has always been a player that you can count on for a big kill and for a big celebration.”

Joining Ms. McLaren in awards were first year players Cassie Perau, a first year Biology student, and Camile Garzon, a first year Social Work student. Ms. Perau led the league in assists in her first season with the Excalibur, enough to join Ms. McLaren as an OCAA east division first-team all-star. Ms. Garzon was integral on both sides of the ball all season but had a great first season with the Excalibur finishing in the top 10 in kills (166), kills per set (2.72), hitting percentage (.280), service aces (47), and points per set (3.6). Her play earned her a place on the OCAA east division all-rookie team, and second-team all-stars.

On the men’s side, Christian Zimmer, a fifth year Biology student, was recognized as a first team all-star at the banquet, hosted by Seneca College. Mr. Zimmer finished the season with 50 blocks, 132 kills, and a .440 hitting percentage, ranking him near the top of the league in numerous categories. A consistent performer on the offensive and defensive side throughout his whole career with the Excalibur, Mr. Zimmer wrapped up his varsity career with the win Saturday.

“It’s a fitting culmination of an outstanding OCAA career,” said head coach, Mike Hubicki. “As a captain for three years, this recognition from the league and Christian’s peers show the positive influence he has been on and off the court."