The Niagara College Men's Volleyball Program extended their winning streak to a season best nine games after defeating the 8-9 Fanshawe Falcons in straight sets on Monday night. The set scores for the match were 29-27, 25-19, 25-14.
The victory moves the Knights to 14-3 on the season, two points ahead second place Redeemer. The Men's Volleyball Program is currently enjoying one of its most successful seasons to date, as the team is currently ranked third in the CCAA, first in the OCAA and have not lost a match since November 30th, 2012.
Knights' Head Coach Nate Groenveld felt pleased with his team's performance, noting that the Knights "were able to control the pace of the match for the majority of the night."
Niagara used a balanced offense throughout the contest, attacking the Falcons from both the middle and outside positions. Head Coach Groenveld added, "I thought our middles, Sam Youlton and Millar Galbraith were a huge difference maker in this match, both really controlled the net."
Both of Niagara's middle blockers stand an imposing six-foot-five, and have played major roles in the Knights' resurgence this season.
Youlton, a fifth year Construction student from Chatham led the way offensively for the Knights recording 10 kills and three stuff blocks. While Galbraith, a third-year Georgetown native finished the match with six kills and three stuff blocks.
Three other Knights finished the match in double-digit scoring. Fifth-year Paramedic student Shayne Petrusma added to his impressive season totals. The Bowmanville native recorded 13 total points, and is currently among the OCAA West Division leaders in most offensive stats.
First-year outside hitters Jeff Scott and Bret Polfuss both recorded 10 points in the victory.
The Knights have already clinched a bye into the OCAA Championship held February 21-23rd. The team has just one regular season game remaining, a Wednesday night matchup against the 12-5 Humber Hawks. If the Knights can secure a victory the team will clinch an OCAA West Division title.
The team will return to the Welland Campus Athletic Centre March 7-9th when Niagara College hosts the 2013 Ironwood Wealth Management Group CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship. Tickets are on sale now. For more information please contact 905-735-2211 ext: 7583 & 7681.
