CREDIT: FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
Fanshawe’s Brandie Ellis (#9) powers the ball over the net during OCAA action at Fanshawe. Ellis and the Falcons have an 11-3 record, good for third spot in the West division, and look to improve their standing in their final three games heading into the

Fanshawe's women's volleyball team is ready to spike their way to the top of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association standings.

After an explosive start to the first half of the season, the women are looking to regain their momentum and finish strong in the OCAA West standings.

Rookie coach Mark Peckham, a London native and former Ohio State varsity volleyball player who trained with the Canadian National team, is bringing a lot of knowledge and ability to the team. This is his second year as head coach and last year the team finished fourth, but Peckham is proving he's got what it takes to lead this team to the top.

Only three regular season games separate the Falcons from improving their 11-3 record and putting themselves in a better spot for the playoffs. These games are crucial for the Falcons, who need to maintain their winning form in order to challenge for the provincial title.

The Falcons' biggest rivals, the Humber Hawks, still need to defeat second-ranked Nipissing Lakers in order to keep their undefeated streak. The Falcons are hot on the heels of the top-ranked Hawks and second-place Lakers. Fanshawe has defeated the Lakers once, and they have yet to garner a win against the Hawks. Fortunately for the Falcons, their upcoming games are against lower-ranked teams who don't pose much of a threat.

The Falcons are going to need to step up their game if they are going to challenge Humber and Nipissing in the playoffs. “We have to be a defensive and ball control team to have any chance,” said Peckham. “We're not looking to overpower; we rely on deception.”

The women are in a good position going into the final games. “They're working really hard and I think we have a great opportunity to do something special,” said Peckham.

For Humber, OCAA gold medals aren't new; in fact, last year marked their fifth straight gold. Fanshawe last medaled in the 2010/11 season, taking home a bronze for their efforts.

The Falcons' next home game will be February 8 against Niagara.