Saturday, January 5 saw the Niagara College men's volleyball program capture a gold medal in the annual Niagara College Invitational men's volleyball tournament. The two-day event saw the Knights emerge from the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record.

Niagara head coach Nathan Groenveld called the tournament victory "big for the team. It was nice to play at home, get prepared for the second half, and knock off the rust from the holidays."

The eight-team event saw the Knights defeat Georgian, Cambrian, Outaouais, Algonquin and Fanshawe. Impressively, Niagara lost only two sets during the tournament.

Niagara's two biggest challenges in the event were the team's third match against the CCAA's No. 5-ranked Outaouais Griffons and the championship match against the Fanshawe Falcons.
The Knights defeated Outaouais in three sets 25-19, 25-16, 25-23. Groenveld commented that "Outaouais is ranked fifth in the nation right now. That win is huge for us." The Knights played some of their strongest volleyball of the season, and controlled the Griffons from the outset.

For their semifinal match-up, the Knights were pitted against the Algonquin Thunder who currently sit in fourth place in the OCAA East Division with a record of 7-3. The Knights dominated from the opening serve, defeating the Thunder in straight sets 25-13, 25-19, 25-20.
The championship match saw the Knights earn a hard fought four-set victory over the Fanshawe Falcons 18-25, 25-20, 25-18, 27-25.

Groenveld called the tournament victory "a total team effort. Some of our younger players played big, quality minutes for us and our team defence was as strong as it's been all season."

Current CCAA men's volleyball athlete of the month and OCAA men's athlete of the week Shayne Petrusma continued his dominant play, en route to being named tournment MVP. The fifth-year paramedic student and native of Bowmanville, Ont., received high praise from Groenveld. "Shayne continues to play at the highest possible level. At times he puts our team on his shoulders and can really take over a match."

First-year outside hitter Jeff Scott of Georgetown, Ont., also had an outstanding tournament for the Knights. The six-foot-four broadcasting student was named to the tournament all-star team along with Petrusma.

"In my mind the highlight of the tournament for Jeff was his defensive game against Outaouais. To record 16 digs in a three-set match is just outstanding" commented Groenveld.

The Knights currently sit in third place in the OCAA West Division with a 6-3 record. The team has won nine of their last 10 games, and is one of the hottest teams in the OCAA.

Groenveld feels that his team needs to continue their strong play due to the fact that "the OCAA West Division is so strong. Strong competition in league play, and in an event like this weekend, puts us and the eventual OCAA winner in a good position for nationals."

Niagara College will serve as host for the 2013 Ironwood Wealth Management CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship March 7-9. As the host, the Niagara College Men's Volleyball Program will receive automatic entry in the event.

In the immediate future, Groenveld feels "It's important to stay focused. We are going to take a day off on Monday, and then get back to work for the second half of the season."

The men's volleyball program will resume regular season play on Wednesday, January 9 when the team visits the Conestoga Condors. The Knights will return to the Welland Campus Athletic Centre on Saturday, January 12 when the team hosts the Sheridan Bruins at 3 p.m.

Source: Niagara College