OUA MEN�S VOLLEYBALL QUARTER-FINAL MATCH UP PREVIEW

HAMILTON, Ont. –

McMaster vs Toronto- #3 vs #6
In a rematch of last year’s quarter final playoff round, the Toronto Varsity Blues and McMaster Marauders are again set to take to the court. McMaster heads into the playoffs on a five game winning streak, most recently defeating the Guelph Gryphons in straight sets 3-0. Toronto finished their regular season with a tough loss to theNo. 7 Queen’s Golden Gaels, and will look to upset a tough McMaster squad. The Marauders enter the playoffs with a 15-5 regular season record and will rely heavily on the play of Daniel Smedley (Woodbridge, Ontario) who leads the team in kills with 179 and points per game with an average of 3.23. Toronto (9-11) who has lost both head to head match-ups against the Marauders this season (3-0, 3-1) will need an all-star performance from fifth year, right-side Brendan Peel (Whitby, Ontario) who leads the OUA and CIS in points per game (5.42) and kills with 342. The winner of this round will look to play the Ryerson Rams (16-4) this Saturday February 17 in the semi finals.

Western vs York- #4 vs #5
The Western Mustangs (14-6) will be looking to avenge their 3-1 defeat at the hands of the York Lions (14-6) in last years quarter-final match-up, to move on to face the No.7 Queen’s Golden Gaels (18-2) Saturday February 17th in the OUA men’s volleyball semi finals. In what has been a back and forth battle which saw each team take the win at home in 2007, will be a fight till the last ball hits the court tonight. York will look to Ryan Andreson (Manitoulin Island, Ontario) for a big game, as he finished the season fourth in the OUA in kills with 266, points per game (4.44), and services aces with 28. Western will counter with veteran Joshua Chisholm (Toronto, Ontario) who has been a driving force for the Mustangs both offensively and defensively this year. Chisholm has tallied 180 kills with 71 digs this year, and will need continue his stellar play tonight. Western will also look to setter Andrew Hinchey (Oshawa, Ontario) who finished the season third in the OUA in assists (624) and will be looked on to lead his team into the semi finals.

McMaster vs Toronto- #3 vs #6
February 15- 4:00 pm- McMaster

Western vs York- #4 vs #5
February 15- 7:00 pm- Western

- OUA -

Michelle Church
Communications & Media Relations Coordinator
Ontario University Athletics

Tel: (905) 540-5156
Fax: (905) 574-2840
E-mail: michelle.church@oua.ca
Web: www.oua.ca