(London, Ontario) – In Red Deer, Alberta on Friday evening, the #1 nationally ranked Fanshawe Men's Volleyball team (24-0) came out on top in their CCAA semi-final match over the #2 Keyano Huskies. The Falcons outlasted the Huskies, winning in a thrilling five sets.

Fanshawe started the match off strong, going up early in the first set. Zach Albert (Brampton, ON) had five kills in set one to lead the Falcons to a 25-19 victory. Keyano stepped up their game in the second set, taking advantage of Fanshawe service errors to go up 18-14. A kill from Cole Jordan (London, ON) gave the Falcons some life however they could not catch the Huskies and fell 25-21.

The two teams traded points in the third set, with London native James Jackson showing his offensive strength with six kills for the Birds. Unfortunately Keyano continued to be strong at the net and took set three 25-21. Fanshawe setter Sebastian Lethbridge (London, ON) spread out the offense in the fourth set, keeping the Huskies on their toes. The Falcons got points from five different players in the frame and were able to force a fifth set with a 25-22 win.

The final set opened with a 3-0 run from Keyano. Fanshawe responded with a well-placed tip from Lethbridge to gain some momentum. With the score tied at 12, the Falcons took their first lead of the set on a massive kill from rookie middle blocker James Pratt (Uxbridge, ON). Jackson would then follow that with two kills of his own to put the game away 15-12. Jackson was named player of the match for Fanshawe, recording 24 points on 19 kills, 3 blocks and 2 aces.

On Saturday at 10:00pm EST (8:00pm MST) in the CCAA National Championship final, the Falcons will face the winner between PACWEST champs Vancouver Island University and host Red Deer.