For the first time in program history, the No. 4 Warriors host the OUA Final Four and battle the No. 8 Toronto Varsity Blues in the opening match of the championship event on Friday at 6pm. 

Waterloo earned the right to host the OUA Final Four after an incredible 17-2 regular season and a dominant straight set victory over York (17, 18, 18) in the OUA quarter-finals.

Not only is a spot in the OUA gold medal match on the line but a berth at Nationals with the top two teams from the OUA earning the right to play for U SPORTS gold in Edmonton next weekend.

As it has been all season, the focus solely remains on Toronto and not what lies ahead for head coach Richard Eddy.

"Just like it has been all season, our focus is 100 percent on our semifinal match with Toronto. They are a very well-coached, disciplined team and they pose some threats that we have to be well prepared for," mentioned Eddy.

Toronto and Waterloo met just once this year with the Warriors walking away with the thrilling five set win. Waterloo won the fifth 15-10, which extended their record to a perfect 9-0 at the time.

The two last met in the playoffs back on March 4, 2017 with Toronto walking away with the 3-0 win but the Warriors have grown into perennial contenders, not only in the OUA but also in U SPORTS since that match, and are prepared for an epic showdown.

"We could be looking at a five set match and that is what we are preparing for leading up to the game," said Eddy. "We have a well-conditioned, mentally strong group that will be ready for a gruelling contest but I am confident we have the right tools necessary to come away with the victory."

Not much separated the two teams this season with Toronto having a slight edge in kills per set at 12.03 compared to 11.79 for Waterloo and points per set at 16.4 to 15.7.

Waterloo will again rely on a big game from left side hitter Claire Mackenzie (Vancouver/) who went off in their playoff win over York with 18 points on 12 kills, four service aces, and three blocks. The Warriors also got an outstanding match from another fifth year, Sarah Remedios (Ajax/) who collected 15 digs and added three assists in the straight set win over York.

If the Warriors come away with the victory, they will take on the winner of the second semifinal game between Western and Ryerson on Saturday at 6pm with OUA gold on the line.