Friday, November 21st saw the Niagara College men's volleyball program sweep the visiting Conestoga Condors three sets to zero. The set scores in the contest were 25-13, 25-22, 25-18. The win is the fourth straight victory for the Knights, and moves the team to 4-2 on the season.
"Overall we had a very solid and efficient night" said Niagara College men's volleyball head coach Nathan Groenveld. "Conestoga is a young team that works very hard and have shown this season when they get some momentum they can go on some runs. We took that away with our consistent ability to put the ball away, and side out."
Veteran middle blocker Aaron Vanderlugt (Burlington) was an absolute force in the game for the Knights. The fifth-year former Guelph Gryphon used his six-foot-seven frame to his advantage, finishing with 14 points on 10 kills and four stuff blocks.
"Aaron Vanderlugt had another huge game for us" added Groenveld. "As a fifth year student-athlete Aaron has been an immediate leader for us. He competes hard on every point and holds his teammates to a very high standard. He has been a great influence on our younger players, showing how much work it takes to be successful at this level."
Six-foot-eight outside hitter Nathan Snippe (St. Anns) continued his solid play, leading all players with 16 points on 12 kills, three blocks, and a service ace.
Also turning in strong games for the Knights were Ben Fillmore (Cayuga, 10 points) and Bret Polfuss (Kitchener, five points). Continued Coach Groenveld, "they are both third year veteran players who really took charge and passed the ball extremely well tonight."
After starting the season with two straight losses the Knights seemed to have found the form that those around the OCAA have grown accustomed over the last few seasons. The team has won four straight matches, and now sit in the middle of the playoff hunt in the ultra competitive OCAA West Division.
The team will now face a talented Sheridan Bruins side on November 26th. The Bruins currently sit directly above the Knights in the standings with a record of 5-1. First serve against the Bruins is set for 8:00 pm at Sheridan's Trafalgar campus.
