The Niagara Knights men's volleyball program (4-3, 5th OCAA West) will look to finish 2017 strong Thursday, November 30th when they host the Redeemer Royals in a key west division matchup. The Knights are currently on a two game losing streak, and a win against the 2nd place Royals would put them back on track in the competitive OCAA west division.
The last encounter between the two programs came earlier this year when Niagara hosted Redeemer at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre in their final exhibition game of the season. Each set was extremely competitive, but the Royals capitalized on some key chances and won the match 3-0. The Knights will look for revenge from this exhibition loss by handing the Royals their 3rd loss of this season.
If the Knights hope to earn their fifth win of the season Thursday night, they must find a way to shutdown Redeemer's duo of outside hitters Linden Bontkes (Langley, BC) and Mitchell Harris (Smithville, Ont.). Bontkes and Harris have been outstanding for the Royals this season, averaging 3.1 and 3 points per set respectively.
Since returning from an early season injury, veteran setter Ben Fillmore (Port Dover, Ont.) has been the point for the Knights' offence. His ability to keep the young program composed in high pressure situations will be greatly needed against a very good Royals' program.
Tip off between the two OCAA west division programs is set for 8pm at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.