TORONTO - There will be a new OCAA men's volleyball champion.

The Mohawk Mountaineers regrouped after falling behind two sets to one to defeat the Niagara Knights five sets.

The Mountaineers withstood a fierce Knights team early in the opening set to take control, eventually winning the first set 25-21. After falling down early, the Mountaineers were able to get their offence going. After a number of long and exciting rallies, the Mountaineers took a 10-9 lead and never again trailed.

The second set saw the energy and power rise as both teams competed for every point. A set that saw multiple lead changes, it wasn't until the Knights took a 20-14 lead that either team was able to take control. The Knights held off a late comeback from the Mountaineers, as the Knights tied up the match with a 25-22 victory.

The intense battle jumped another level in the third set as neither team could manage to take a lead larger than three points. As the teams exchanged points, it was the Niagara Knights able to take the match with a 26-24 win.

The Mountaineers stormed out of the gate early in the fourth set. With their backs against the wall, they took an early 5-2 lead and were later able to extend it to a five point, 13-8 lead. The Knights kept fighting as both teams exchanged points. The Mountaineers were able to pull out a thrilling 29-27 fourth set.

A thrilling fifth set saw the Mountaineers claim an early lead and never looked back, defeating the defending OCAA champions 15-10.

The Mountaineers will play in the gold medal game Saturday at 5 p.m. against the winner of Fanshawe and Sheridan. The Knights will play for the bronze medal Saturday at 2 p.m. against the loser of the Fanshawe versus Sheridan match.

Source: Seneca College