The Niagara Knights men's volleyball team sent a shockwave through the OCAA West Division Friday night when they defeated the defending national champion Humber Hawks. The Knight's dominated the Hawks from the first serve winning in straight sets 3-0.
"We came to play today" said Knights' Head Coach Nate Groenveld. "It's not hard to get excited to play against the defending national champions."
The 3-2 Knights' played their best volleyball of the season, and Groenveld feels his team will continue to improve. "It's a process, and we are looking to March when we host Nationals. We've been working really hard and tonight you could really see it."
The Knights decisive advantage came defensively as the team tallied 16 stuff blocks in the match. Third year 6-foot-5 middle blocker Miller Galbraith led defensively for the Knights finishing the game with six stuff blocks.
The talented Humber side typically bases their offensive attack around 6-foot-9 middle blocker Andre Brown. The fourth year Mississauga native is a current member of the Canadian National volleyball program.
Given the unenviable task of matching up against Brown was fifth year 6-foot-5 middle blocker Sam Youlton. The Chatham native, and Construction student "did an incredible job in holding a player of Brown's caliber to only 6 kills. It's a tough matchup, but Sam did great" said Groenveld. Youtlon finished the game with two kills, three stuff blocks, and three digs.
Moving forward Groenveld hopes the Knights can continue the aggressive play that has earned the team victories in their last two outings.
Niagara College will host the 2013 Ironwood Wealth Management CCAA National Championships from March 7-9th.
