LONDON, Ont. - On Thursday night, the Fanshawe Falcons (6-3) defeated the Niagara Knights (5-4) in four sets (25-16, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21). Fanshawe sits in fourth place in the OCAA west division standings.

The Falcons started the first set on a high note, taking a quick 5-1 lead, forcing Niagara to an early time out. Fanshawe managed to increase their lead over Niagara, and a huge kill by Derek Braun brought the score to 10-3 for the Falcons. Despite the Knights attempt, the Falcons continued to dominate, leading by as many as eleven, 22-11. A service error by Niagara finished the set 25-16 for the Falcons, with a game-high eight points by Braun.

The second set was much closer but with the scored tied at 11, the Knights were able to pull ahead scoring four straight points, forcing the Falcons to use their first timeout. Niagara maintained their four point lead up until 21-17 when Fanshawe made a push. After a pair of errors by the Knights, Fanshawe tied the game at 22 before Niagara recovered and went on to win the set 25-22.

Fanshawe started the third set out on a tear. With an 8-3 lead, Fanshawe looked to be in control of the set. Niagara was making a number of unforced errors, but seemed to always stay within three or four points of the Falcons. The Knights made a run and just like that, Niagara had closed the gap to just one, 24-23. An error on the next play by Niagara would be costly as the Falcons took the third set 25-23.

The Falcons jumped on Niagara early in the fourth set and led by as many as 10 points at one point, 17-7. Niagara did make quite the effort to come back however Fanshawe would prevail and win the set 25-21.

The Fanshawe men's volleyball team picks up in the new year on Tuesday, Jan. 13 as the men host the Conestoga Condors (1-8) at 8 p.m.

Source: Fanshawe College