January 30, 2023...WELLAND - The Niagara Knights men's volleyball team struggled in a 3-0 loss to the Fanshawe Falcons in London Wednesday night. The Falcons, who currently sit perched atop the OCAA West Division with an 8-2 record, made quick work of the Knights with 25-17, 25-16 and 25-15 wins to sweep both the match and the season series (6-0).
The blue and white struggled to get much offence going against the nationally ranked Falcons. Elijah Bugiardini led with 7 kills and 1 service ace, while Dallas Melnick recorded 5 kills and 3 services aces.
The Knights have now lost three of their last five since coming back from the holiday break and currently sit a 8-6 for fourth place in the OCAA West Division. Niagara will cap off their regular season at home this week with two matches - Wednesday against the Humber Hawks (9-5) at 8:00pm and Saturday against the Conestoga Condors (3-11) at 3:00pm. Saturday's final home game will serve as seniors day for graduating players prior to the match.
Niagara will round out their regular season on the road with a trip up to Sudbury February 11 and 12th.
OCAA playoff action begins February 18th with cross-over qualifier matches before the top eight OCAA teams head to Fanshawe College for the Championship tournament February 22-25.
