Thursday, January 2nd saw the Niagara College men's volleyball program turn in their strongest performance of the 2014-15 season. The team convincingly defeated the visiting Fanshawe Falcons (7-4, 6th OCAA West) in three sets 25-17, 30-28, 25-22.
The victory is the Knights third consecutive win, and moves the team to 8-5 (5th OCAA West) on the season.
"We played well for a full match tonight and came away with an important victory" said Niagara College men's volleyball head coach Nathan Groenveld. "We are a young team, still learning to compete in a very tough OCAA West. When we stick to our process, we have the ability to play at a very high level and I think tonight demonstrated that."
Offensively, the Knights were again quarterbacked by veteran setter Steve Stone (St. Catharines). The six-foot-two former Eden Flyer finished with an impressive 41 assists and also added 10 digs. Stone is in his fourth year of eligibility, and is currently enrolled in the Niagara College recreation and leisure services program.
"Steve played well for us and had a big game" added Groenveld. "He also adds a veteran presence to our program that really benefits the other players around him."
First year outside hitter Cole Jordan continued his strong play demonstrated in recent weeks. The six-foot-four native of London, Ontario hit a dominant 52.9% in the match finishing with 9 kills on just 17 swings. Jordan adds an 'x-factor' to the Knights lineup using an impressive combination of athleticism and creativity on offense. He finished with 10 points and three digs.
Veteran outside hitters Jeff Scott (Georgetown) and Brett Polfuss (Kitchener) also continued their strong play in 2015 finishing 10 kills each.
Libero Bailey Cochrane (Barrie) turned in an outstanding defensive game, finishing with 26 digs, just eight less than the entire Falcons lineup combined.
The Knights will have a full week off before heading to Sudbury next weekend for a pair of crucial road matchups against the Cambrian Golden Shield (3-9) and Boreal Vipers (0-11). The team will not return to the Welland Campus athletic centre until February 12th when the team hosts the Sheridan Bruins at 8:00pm.
