The Niagara College Men's Volleyball Program improved to 8-3 on the season after Saturday's four-set victory over the visiting Sheridan Bruins. The victory moves the Knights into sole possession of second place in theOCAA West Division, and marks the team's eighth consecutive victory, including a tournament championship at the Niagara College Invitational. The set scores were 22-25, 25-12, 25-23, and 25-20
Niagara College Head Coach Nathan Groenveld called the victory a "team effort both offensively and defensively."
Offesnsively four players for the Knights finished the game in double digit scoring.
Shayne Petrusma continued his dominant play recording 13 kills, one service ace, and a stuff block while also contributing 15 digs. The fith year Paramedic student is leading the OCAA West Division in points, kills, points-per-set, and kills-per-set.
Also having a game for the Knights was, fifth-year middle blocker Sam Youlton. The Chatham, Ontario native notched 10 kills, a block and 6 digs.
First-year outside hitter Brett Polfuss continued his excellent play, the Kitchener native and Police Foundations student finished the match with eight kills, two service aces, two blocks, and 11 digs.
Although the Knights showed strong offensive rhythm against the Bruins, Coach Groenveld felt the difference in the contest was his team's "defensive intensity and composure. Being able to score points from your defense gives our team a team a big advantage."
Leading the way defensively for the Knights was third-year middle blocker Millar Galbraith. The six-foot-five native of Georgetown, Ontario was dominant at the net for Niagara, finishing the match with five blocks. Galbraith disrupted the Bruins offensive attack all match, and also contributed 11 kills, and three digs.
The performance earned Galbraith the Niagara College Male Athlete of the Week honours.
Despite the Knights' recent success, Coach Groenveld feels it is important for his team to "shift focus to our Friday match against St. Clair Saints.
First serve for the matchup is set for 8:00 pm and all Niagara College Varsity Athletics feature free admission. For those unable to be in attendance, Niagara College home games are live broadcasted and archived at www.sportslive.ca
Niagara College will host the 2013 Ironwood Wealth Management Group CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship March 7-9.
