The first weekend of OVA play for the 2025-26 season is now in the books. Four Lakeside teams competed in the 17UG Fall Classic/Provincial Cup on Saturday and Sunday. Here is a quick rundown of the results:
Walezi (Premier/Select)
A full Saturday of pool play matches brought some stiff competition. The team finished the day with a 4-4 set record, with one pool match remaining. On Sunday, the team swept their last pool match, improving to 6-4 and claiming 3rd in their pool. In their first Select Division playoff round match, the girls handled Storm Ice with ease (25-12, 25-4). In the semis vs. Pakmen Black Adrian, a strong start led to a first set win; however, the girls could not hang on in the second set, falling 25-23 and forcing a third. In the final set, Walezi could not close out the match, ultimately falling 15-11. In the bronze match, another close battle with Hurricanes Cat 7 saw the team fall short by a razor-thin margin with a 16-14 third set loss. A strong weekend for the team overall, and exciting times are ahead for this skilled and dynamic group.
Shujaa (Trillium White)
The team travelled to Thornhill for their first event of the season. A strong start to the day (2-0 over Barrie Elites Empire) led to a closer-than-necessary 2-1 victory in the second and final pool play match, securing first place in the pool. As playoffs began, the girls took care of business, winning two straight in the quarters to set up a semi vs. Defensa Genna. In the semis, a convincing first set win (25-16) was followed by an extremely tight 26-24 second set, setting up a gold medal match with Pakmen Black Bud. In the final, the team started strong but stumbled in the second set, forcing a third and deciding frame. They pulled together at the right time and held on to win their first medal of the season. The team now moves up to the Championship division for the Challenge Cup. Great job, team!
Inkemba (Trillium Green)
Playing up to 17UG for their first event of the season, the 16U Inkemba team struggled to get anything going in morning pool play, dropping both matches and finishing last in the pool. In the quarterfinals, the girls continued to struggle to find their mojo but showed some signs of life, dropping a close first set (25-23). Finally kicking into gear, the team took the second and snuck out a third set victory (17-15) to move on to the semis. In the semifinal, the girls played their best volleyball of the tournament but could not hang on in the end, falling in three to Titans Astra. In the bronze match, facing Caspian Riptide (a team they lost 2-0 to in pool play), the team dropped the first set, found a way to overcome their fatigue in the second, and won convincingly in the third, securing a bronze medal. Congratulations, Inkemba!
Billao (Trillium Green)
Our Billao team travelled to Niagara for their first tournament of the season. After splitting their morning matches, the team faced Rapids Cyclones in the pre-quarters. A strong first set win was followed by a close second set defeat, setting up a third and final set. In the end, the team could not secure the win and fell 15-12. In the final match of the day, the girls faced the Waterloo Tigers Thunder and were able to secure a victory in another three-set thriller, placing 9th of 12 to wrap up their first tournament of the season.
Up Next: Nine Lakeside teams take to the courts for more 18UG/16UG Provincial Cup OVA play on Nov 7–8. Good luck, teams!
