After beating Lakehead (3–0), the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West top seeded Guelph Gryphons took on the defending OUA champions, the Ottawa Gee-Gees, hoping to play for gold against McMaster. The only season matchup was a 3–0 sweep for Ottawa on November 16. This match would prove to be anything but a sweep.

Guelph was an employer of the “6–2” setter strategy, where they would use a setter in the backcourt until they reached frontcourt. They would then replace the setter with a stronger offensive player to hit from the “Right Side” position, and replace the Right Side hitter that went to back court with a different setter off the bench. This kept three front row hitters available when they wanted the extra option. This was helpful knowing the strength of Ottawa’s blocking game. The Gee-Gees ended up with 12.5 blocks compared to six from Guelph.

The first set was evenly matched, including 12 kills for Guelph and 11 for Ottawa. Ottawa showed their blocking strength from the start of the match. On the other side, Guelph was very tight defensively with great coverage off the Ottawa blocks, picking up many blocks that should have scored for the Gee-Gees. The game stayed close all the way to the end, reaching 24–24. Ottawa took the thrilling first set 27–25.

In the second set, Guelph’s offense took off, led by numerous kills from Rebecca Breau, who ended with 21 kills. Ottawa kept it close with strong blocks, especially late in the game from Alix Durivage. Up 23–21, Guelph’s Breau dropped a beautiful service ace in front of the Gee-Gee receivers that got their fans roaring in anticipation. The Gryphons would draw even, taking the set 25–22.

Guelph’s libero, Kristen Almhjell  ̶ OUAWest Division’s Libero of the Year  ̶ showed why she got the honour with fantastic defense, including great diving digs off Ottawa attacks. OUA West Division’s Rookie of the Year Madison DeDecker finished off the third set for Guelph with a well-placed tip over the big Ottawa blockers to take the set 25–21.

The Gee-Gees got up early in the fourth set 8–5 before Coach Paul Funk (West Division’s Coach of the Year) called Guelph’s first timeout. Down 22–19, Guelph’s DeDecker strung two straight kills together, followed by a block to tie the set. On the verge of a big comeback win, the Gryphons couldn’t hold off Ottawa’s offense, dropping the set 26–24.

A fifth set up to 15 would be needed to decide who went to the championship. Ottawa’s defense was the deciding factor, limiting the Gryphons to just 5 kills on 20 attempts. A hot float serve from East Division’s Player of the Year Myriam English would end the long battle with a 15-12 win.

Ottawa will advance to the CIS National Championship along with McMaster, who will played for the OUA title on Sunday afternoon.