By: Julian Orlando

Mohawk Mountaineers men's volleyball nearly pulled off a five set upset against the No. 2 nationally ranked Fanshawe Falcons, but ultimately dropped the match 3-2 (25-27, 16-25, 25-19, 25-11, 12-15).

The Mountaineers conclude the 2022-23 season with a 10-8 record, but as of this publication still await to find out where they will place in the OCAA West division ahead of playoffs next week. A Niagara loss will place Mohawk fourth, but a Niagara win will put the Mountaineers in the west fifth seed.

Head coach Brad McClure after the game mentioned what his team did well to compete with Fanshawe.

"I think today we did well in the serving-pass battle," McClure said. "I think Fanshawe is an excellent team, but we adjusted well to their blocking and saw good results toward the end of the game."

With playoffs on the horizon, McClure mentioned what Mohawk's goal was heading into the postseason.

"My expectation is basically the medal," McClure said. "That is how we measure success, and I want my team to be competitive for the medal."

Prior to the match versus the Falcons, the Mountaineers celebrated their graduating student-athletes Anthony Beijes (Hamilton, ON), Andrew Hutchins (Courtice, ON) and Wyatt Lightfoot (Hamilton, ON).

The Mountaineers will play in the OCAA crossover playoff round on Feb. 18, but against who, where and when is still to be determined.