After a bit of a rocky start, the Niagara Knights men's volleyball program (5-4, 4th OCAA West) finished the first half of the OCAA regular season on a strong note. With three straight victories to their credit, the Knights are looking to transition the momentum into a rise in the standings during the second half.
The Knights kicked off the season with just one win in their first four contests, but rebounded to win four of their final five matches to remain in contention in the highly competitive West division. Despite only five wins to their credit, Niagara has been closer than one may think. With 21 sets won this season, the Knights sit only behind Fanshawe and Redeemer in sets won. The difference being that both the Falcons and Royals sit tied for first in the division with eight wins apiece.
They key to victory in the second half for te Knights will be to transition close set losses into set victories. A pair of five set losses, including one against the top ranked Falcons to open the season, has been a difference maker for the Knights. Moving forward they will need to close out sets when the opportunity presents itself.
A leader in making that happen for the Knights is the 5th year veteran outside hitter Jeff Scott (Georgetown). The 2015-16 CCAA All-Canadian has picked up where he left off last season, and has been the most dynamic player for the Knights. His veteran leadership will be relied upon even further in the second half for Niagara. Scott is a powerful offensive presence, currently sitting fourth in the OCAA in kills per set and points per set.
Distributing the ball to Scott will be third year setter Garrett Suderman (Niverville, MB). Despite splitting setting duties in the first half, Suderman will be leaned upon heavily in the second half. He is currently 12th in the OCAA in assists, but that number can be expected to rise as he continues to gel with the offence.
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The Knights return to action on January 14th and 15th when they head north for a weekend doubleheader against the Cambrian Golden Shield and Boreal Viperes in Sudbury. They will return home on January 22nd for a date with the St. Clair Saints. The 2017 OCAA Men's Volleyball Championship, the ultimate goal for the Knights, takes place February 23 - 25 at Mohawk College in Hamilton.
