It would be fair to say that the Niagara Knights men's volleyball program (1-3, 7th OCAA West) have not gotten off to the start they would have hoped. However, they look to get back on track when they welcome the Conestoga Condors (1-3, 7th OCAA West) to the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.
Three losses, including a pair of five-setters, have put the Knights behind the eight ball early in the young season. It is an unfamiliar position for Niagara who are accustomed to the top of the standings. However, with five games still remaining prior to the holiday break there is plenty of time to climb the standings before the midway point.
With identical records to start the season, the matchup against the Condors may have a significant impact on the standings down the road. Through four matches apiece, the Knights and Condors teams have nearly identical offensive stats, sitting within a point of eachother in kills per set, assists per set, hitting percentage. However, the Knights are averaging nearly two full points more per set and hold the advantage in both serving and blocks.
Entering the contest, the Knights are riding an 11 game winning streak against the Condors, not having lost to their opponents since their first ever matchup in 2010. Home court has been a steadying force for the Knights, holding a 6-0 career advantage against Conestoga, giving up only three sets in the process.
Despite the slow start to the season there are a number of bright spots that will continue to lead the Knights. Jeff Scott (Georgetown) sits 5th in OCAA scoring, averaging 4.3 points per set. The fifth-year outside hitter set the Niagara Knights career points record on November 11th, recording his 461 career point. Rookie Marcus Francis (Pickering) sits in 11th place league scoring, averaging 3.7 points per set through the first four games of his collegiate career. Niagara setter, Garrett Suderman (Niverville, MB) is among league leaders in assists thus far. He is averaging 8.65 assists per set, putting him eighth in the province.
Prior to the match, Jeff Scott will be honoured for breaking the Niagara Knights career points record. The presentation will start immediately prior to the opening serve, which will proceed 25 minutes following the completion of the Knights women's game. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 while students and those under the age of 17 are admitted free. For those unable to make it to Welland the game will be broadcast live at www.goknights.ca/watchlive courtesy of the Niagara College Broadcast, Radio, Television, and Film program.
