November 26, 2025
WELLAND, ONT: The Niagara College men's volleyball team (5-3) welcomed the Mohawk Mountaineers (4-4) to the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus Wednesday evening. Coming off a 5-set victory over the weekend, the Knights managed to save a little time and energy as they defeated the Mountaineers 3-1 (set scores were 25-18, 23-25, 25-20 and 25-21).
Starting off the game hot, the Knights were able to battle their way to an early 6-point lead. Mohawk fought back to bring the set within a few points but were unable to get any closer as Niagara was able to take the 1-0 set lead. The Knights began the second set with 4 consecutive points but this time, Mohawk was able to find ways to keep it close and ultimately tied things up at 1 set apiece. The 3rd set was an absolutely dogfight as neither team wanted to give an inch, and plays were being made on by both squads on either side of the ball. In the end, the Knights were able to secure a 5-point set win – taking a 2-1 lead. The 4th set - which was a teeter-totter affair and similar to the 3rd set - had the Knights wanting to end things so they could head home, while the Mountaineers were wanting to force a decisive 5th set. A late surge from Mohawk had the home fans biting their nails, but the Knights were able to fend off the Mountaineers and take the 3-1 match victory. Niagara had 3 players score double-digit points in this match – RJ Martin with 12, Jack Drummond with 14, and Sam Guzak leading the way with 16. The trio also combined for 7 digs, 6 blocks and 4 service aces. Taiten Stifter was once again a master of his craft as he dished out an astounding 31 assists, while adding in 5 points, 5 digs and 2 aces of his own.
Pulling aside Guzak after the game, he was electrified and stated that this was a "great win to end the year" as they head into the mid-season break. He also expressed that "we're going to make sure all the boys are ready to come into the second half of the season and do even better" as they try to climb the standings and position themselves for a playoff run.
The Knights head into the mid-season break with a 5-3 record and currently sit 4th in the OCAA west division. The Fanshawe Falcons (7-1) will visit the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus on Saturday, January 10, 2026 for an afternoon matchup, with the game set to begin at 3pm. Join us live in the stands or catch all the action on OCAA Live to keep cheering on your Knights.
For more information on the Knights' team, please visit us at www.goknights.ca.
