The CCAA #9 ranked Niagara College Men's Volleyball Program stretched their current winning streak to nine games on Friday night with a 3-0 victory over the St. Clair Saints. The set scores for the match were 25-18, 25-21, 25-18.
The athletic and high energy Saints battled all night against the Knights. Niagara Head Coach Nate Groenveld commented, "the Saints played really well. They adjusted their game plan and system, and it took us a while to find our rhythm."
The Knights trailed the Saints for the majority of the first set, until the team found their offensive game. First-year outside hitter Jeff Scott provided the offensive spark the Knights needed after the slow start. The six-foot-four Broadcasting student and native of Georgetown, Ontario lead the Knights with 10 kills, three blocks, and 11 digs.
"Jeff played really well for us tonight" commented Coach Groenveld.
The Saints utilized a number of players throughout the match in an attempt to break the Knights' offensive momentum. Defensively the Knights relied on their two middles to stop the St. Clair attack.
"Sam (Youlton) and Millar (Galbraith) did a great job for us tonight" felt Coach Groenveld.
Galbraith led the Knights with four stuff blocks confirming his status as the current Niagara College Male Athlete of the Week. Youlton however, contributed six offensive points, and more importantly disrupted the Saints offense throughout the match.
The Niagara College Men's Volleyball Program will return to action next weekend when the team heads to North Bay for a pair of matches against the Canadore Panthers (1-11) and Nipissing Lakers (10-2).
When asked how the team felt about their difficult northern Ontario road trip, Coach Groenveld said "right now our defense is playing great and good defense usually travels well. If we execute like we can, we have got a chance in both matches."
The 10-2 Lakers will present the Knights with their biggest challenge to date in 2013. "Nipissing will be a great matchup" said Coach Groenveld, "they are the caliber of team we will see at the National Championship."
Niagara College will serve as host of the 2013 Ironwood Wealth Management Group CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship March 7-9th. As the host, the Niagara College Men's Volleyball Program will receive automatic entry in the event.
