February 2, 2025
SUDBURY, ON: The Niagara Knights men's volleyball team (9-9) headed north for weekend match ups against the Boreal Vipers (0-18) on Saturday and the Cambrian Shield (14-4) on Sunday, to close out their regular season. Splitting the weekend, the Knights defeated the Vipers 3-1 (set scores were 23-25, 25-16, 25-21 and 27-25) and lost to the Shield 3-0 (set scores were 17-25, 15-25 and 28-30). As the Knights prepare for playoff action, the regular season has them finishing 5th in the OCAA West.
The Knights were welcomed by an energetic Boreal squad who instantly put the Knights on their heels and forced them to earn every point they got in the 1st set, which ultimately saw the Vipers take the early 1-0 lead. Coming out of the first break, the Knights must have found the fire they were missing as they turned the tables and took an early lead in the 2nd set. It was a lead that the Knights would not relinquish as they continued to pull away from the Vipers, tying the match up 1-1 with the 9-point 2nd set victory. The next two sets had the Knights hold their ground as they staved off Boreal's surge and push-back, ultimately taking the final decision, 3-1. Matthew Takacs' skill was on full display as he posted 21 points on 19 kills, 3 digs and 2 blocks. Leiland Parenteau, the setter hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, contributed 46 assists, 2 digs, 2 blocks and 2 points to the Knight's victory. Nathan Gibbons, the most recent addition to the Knights' squad, was able to get on the court in this match and show why he belongs here – putting up 9 points on 8 kills, 4 digs, and 1 service ace.
Just over 15 hours later, the Knights found themselves squaring off against a strong Cambrian team who was looking to secure a 2nd place finish in the standings. The 1st set saw the Knights take a small lead as both teams reached double-digit points. The Shield then found another gear and the Knights were unable to put a stop to their pressure, ultimately losing the set by 8 points. It wasn't until the 3rd set when the Knights finally found their rhythm and started making plays, putting some pressure on Cambrian. In a back-and-forth set, that saw the Knights come back on 5 separate occasions to postpone defeat, they just couldn't muster up enough to be able to get over the hill – losing the final set 28-30. Wizdom Smith, the 1st year outside hitter from Winnipeg, Manitoba, led the Knights in scoring with 14 points on 12 kills, 3 digs and 2 service aces. Mitch Churipuy, the Peterborough, Ontario native, finished the night with 6 points on 3 kills, 4 digs, 3 service aces and 1 assist. Matthew Perron, back in the starting lineup after taking a game off, provided the Knights with 19 assists, 6 digs, 4 points, 1 block and 1 service ace.
Head coach of the Knights, Steve Stone, mentioned that "the men started off slow this weekend but were finally able to find a groove in the 3rd set versus Cambrian." When asked about his upcoming playoff matchup, Stone immediately said that "we've got to show up more prepared." Stone also continued to note that "we've also got a full week of practice to prepare for the playoffs – we'll be ready!"
Speaking of the playoffs, your Niagara Knights will take to the road once again for their qualifying playoff game as they travel to Durham College to take on the 4th place Lords (11-7). The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th at 3:00pm. Make sure to cheer your Knights on as they start their path to the OCAA Championships.
For more information on the Knights' teams, please visit us at www.goknights.ca.
