LONDON, Ont. - The highly anticipated match-up between the CCAA No. 6-ranked Niagara Knights and the No. 8-ranked Fanshawe Falcons did not disappoint. The Fanshawe men's volleyball team (10-3) defeated the Knights (11-3) in four sets 25-15, 27-29, 25-21, 25-23.

The first set was tight between the Falcons and Knights but with score tied at 11, Fanshawe took control. An ace by Scott Brannigan pushed the lead to six, 19-13, and the Knights called time.  After the timeout, Fanshawe's Derek Braun had a massive stuff block and the Falcons rolled to the 25-15 first set victory.

With the score tied at four in the second, Niagara's Daniel Groenveld served four straight, giving the Knights the 8-4 lead. The Falcons rallied and after a back row attack from Matt Poulin, took the lead. The teams battled back and forth and with the score tied at 22, Fanshawe came up with yet another huge stuff block by Braun. They would continue to go point for point but Niagara scored last won the set 29-27.

Fanshawe took an early lead in the third set and were up 18-13 but Groenveld came up with some great serves again for the Knights to bring them within three. Fanshawe played tough defence and forced the Knights into making mistakes. Fanshawe was more aggressive at the net and won the set 25-21.

No team led by more than three in fourth set until Niagara scored four straight and took a 16-12 lead. Fanshawe came right back to tie the game at 16. Again the teams went point for point, until the Falcons took the two-point advantage at 24-22. After the Knights scored to bring them within one, Poulin pounded a huge ball from the outside to give Fanshawe the win.

Fanshawe plays next at home on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. versus the Conestoga Condors (1-11).

Source: Fanshawe College