varsity news

Durham Lords Media Release
Saturday, February 27, 2010

Unbelievable coaching career comes to an end – Durham knocked out of the OCAA Championship

OCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship - Hosted by Redeemer University College (Ancaster, Ont.)
Championship Website: www.bringit2010.com

Quarter-Finals: Durham defeated Nipissing 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-18, 25-23)
Semi-Finals: Humber defeated Durham 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 28-26)
Bronze Medal Semi-Finals: Mohawk defeated Durham 3-1 (18-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19)
 
ANCASTER, Ont. – The Durham College men’s volleyball team had their season come to an end on Saturday as they were defeated by the Mohawk Mountaineers 3-1 in the bronze medal semi-finals of the OCAA Championship. Set scores were 18-25, 25-21, 25-23 and 25-19.

Not only did it mark the end of the Lords season, but it was also head coach Gord Williamson’s final game of his tremendous collegiate coaching career. In thirteen seasons on the bench with DC, Williamson retires as the winningest coach in program history which an overall record of 223-102. Prior to joining Durham College, Williamson coached 10 years at Seneca College, where he led the women’s program to six Ontario titles. He leaves Canadian collegiate volleyball with over 23 years of coaching experience and as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport.

The Lords finished in fifth place in their return to the OCAA Championship and had an overall record of 22-8 in 2009/10. It was the college’s best record since 2005/06.

Both teams put it on the line in Saturday’s semi-final, with a trip to the bronze medal game on the line. After winning the first set 18-25, Durham show some fatigue after losing to Humber the night before as Mohawk would storm back to win the next three sets and the match.

Jeff Torraville (Oshawa, Ont.) was the Lords leading scorer with 12 points while middle Dave McMann (Elmvale, Ont.) recorded 10. Mo Sulaiman and Chris Davidson powered the Mohawk offence scoring 15 and 11 points respectively.

The top ranked Humber Hawks would win the gold medal after sweeping Seneca College in the gold medal game. Humber had defeated Durham 3-0 in the semi-finals. The hosting Redeemer Royals defeated Mohawk 3-2 in the bronze medal game.

The Lords veteran lineup in 2009/10 had plenty of success on the court as they qualified for the OCAA Championship for the first time since 2005/06. After a 0-2 start to the season, the Lords managed to turn things around finishing in second place in the OCAA east region with a 14-4 conference record. Torraville and teammate James Mayer (Pentanguishene, Ont.) were named OCAA all-stars at the championship banquet.

CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP

Thursday, February 25, 2010
Game #1 – 2 p.m. – Durham defeated Nipissing 3-1
Game #2 – 4 p.m. – Seneca defeated Mohawk 3-0
Game #3 – 6 p.m. – Redeemer defeated Fanshawe 3-0
Game #4 – 8 p.m. – Humber defeated Algonquin 3-0

Friday, February 26, 2010
Game #5 – 2 p.m. – Bronze Medal Quarter Finals: Mohawk defeated Fanshawe 3-0
Game #6 – 4 p.m. – Bronze Medal Quarter Finals: Nipissing defeated Algonquin  3-1
Game #7 – 6 p.m. – Semi Finals: Seneca defeated Redeemer 3-1
Game #8 – 8 p.m. – Semi-Finals: Humber defeated Durham 3-0

Saturday, February 27, 2010
Bronze Semi Finals
Bronze Semi Final #1 – 9 a.m. – Redeemer defeated Nipissing 3-2
Bronze Semi Final #2 – 11 a.m. – Mohawk defeated Durham 3-1

Medal Round
Bronze Medal Game – 3 p.m.* - Redeemer defeated Mohawk 3-2
Gold Medal Game – 5 p.m.* - Humber defeated Seneca 3-0

A QUICK LOOK AT THE DURHAM LORDS
Overall Record: 22-8
Conference Record: 14-4

DURHAM LORDS ROSTER
1 – Paul Luttjeboer (LS), Quinte
3 – Jimmy Ly (L), Mississauga
4 – James Mayer (LS), Pentanguishene
6 – Scott Burns (M), Pickering
7 – Matt Mahorn (M), Whitby
8 – Dave McMann (M), Elmvale
10 – Steve Clarey (LS/RS, Baltimore
11 – Jeff Torraville (S), Oshawa
13 – Mike Goulding (RS), Oshawa
15 - Mike Cracknell (M), Kincardine

Head Coach: Gord Williamson
Assistant Coach: Pat Henderson
Associate Coach: Dave Crabbe
Associate Coach: Scott Grundy
Therapist: Lindsey Knischewsky

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)

Photo courtesy of Redeemer University College