The Niagara College men's volleyball program advanced to the OCAA gold medal semi-finals on Friday, February 27th with a hard fought five-set victory over the #1 seeded Mohawk Mountaineers. The set scores in the match were 18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 15-12.
After struggling during the opening set, the Knights seemed to find their net and back court defensive rhythm.
At the net the Knights were led by recently named OCAA first team all-star Aaron Vanderlugt (Burlington), the towering six foot-seven middle blocker finished with a match high four stuff blocks. In the back court second-year libero Bailey Cochrane led all defenders finishing with 27 digs. Cochrane is a two-time OCAA all-star, and led the OCAA in digs during the 2014-15 regular season.
"Our defense really played well today" said Niagara College men's volleyball head coach Nathan Groenveld. "Bailey and Aaron were a real force for us. We kept a lot of balls in play, and at the net we were able to disrupt their offensive rhythm."
Offensively the Knights were led by third-year outside hitter Jeff Scott (Georgetown). "Jeff really carried us at time today" added Groenveld. "He gave us some huge kills, some timely blocks, and he passed extremely well."
The six foot-four Scott finished with a game high 20 points on 16 kills and four blocks. The 2012-13 OCAA West Division rookie of the year was named player of the match for his effort.
Rounding out the stat sheet for the Knights was 2014-15 OCAA second team all-star Steve Stone who finished with 42 assists, while rookie outside hitter Cole Jordan (London) finished with an impressive 12 kills in his Championship debut.
The win sees the Knights advance to the OCAA Championship semi-final on Saturday, February 28th at 6:00pm. The Knights' opponent will be the Fanshawe Falcons who defeated the Fleming Knights in their opening match.
Coach Groenveld added "we now need to refocus for our tough semi-final matchup tomorrow against a talented Fanshawe team."
For up to date OCAA Men's Volleyball Championship information please visit http://www.saintsathletics.ca/leagues/custom_page.cfm?clientID=335&leagueID=24690&pageID=16488
