By: Megan Daniels
Reporter

Mountaineers men's volleyball forced a fifth set versus the Canadore Panthers in the OCAA Quarterfinals, but ultimately came up short 3-2 (16-25, 20-25, 27-25, 25-16, 11-15).

Mohawk had a slight lead early in the first set, but lost momentum and dropped the first two sets forcing themselves into a difficult scenario.

With their backs up against the wall, the Mountaineers took a close third set and dominated the fourth to force a deciding fifth set.

It was a back and forth affair between Mohawk and Canadore in the final set, but the Mountaineers could not hold on to the momentum late in the match.

"It's always disappointing to end the year with a loss but lots of lessons learned from this performance and process that will benefit our program going forward," first-year head coach Brad McClure said.

Right side hitter Nathan Snippe (St. Ann's, ON) was on top of his game during the match, completing 18 kills, nine digs and three blocks. Outside hitter Brayden Griffith (Winnipeg, MB) provided 12 kills and eight digs, and Michael Kong (Burlington, ON) added 10 kills.

Second-year middle Anthony Beijes (Hamilton, ON) and first-year middle Joel Sloots (Hamilton, ON) combined for 11 kills.

"I think we've made great strides on the culture and style we want to play. The major thing is leaning into that a little more and really refining where we fell short," McClure said.

McClure added that up next for the Mountaineers is connecting with incoming recruits and prospective student-athletes about their interest in Mohawk volleyball and then working through some exit meetings with the athletes ahead of next season.