Fanshawe Men’s Volleyball Upsets No. 15 Niagara

(London, Ontario) – On Saturday afternoon on their home court, the Falcons Men's Volleyball team (7-8) upset the No. 15 nationally ranked Niagara Knights (8-5) three sets to one.

The Falcons flew out to a 12-6 lead to open the match with points from rookies Daniel Ridings (St. Catharines, ON) and Ewan Mason (London, ON). The Knights chipped away at Fanshawe's lead to bring them within two points nearing the end of the set. The home team was able to hold on and with a kill from fifth-year middle Mike Liscumb (Ilderton, ON), the Falcons won the first set 25-22.

Back-to-back left side kills from Luke Blissett (London, ON) gave the Birds a slim advantage in set two. A service ace from Mason maintained Fanshawe's lead as both teams battled for each point. To make the score 24-22, Mitch McFadden (St. Paul's, ON) had a monstrous kill that got the crowd on their feet. Unfortunately, Niagara regrouped and went on a 4-0 run to defeat the young Falcons 26-24 in the second set.  

The two squads exchanged points in set three, with excellent serving from McFadden leading the way for the Birds. London native Elliott Leslie then set up Ridings for the kill. The well-balanced offense from Fanshawe continued, as they would go on to take set three 25-22.

The Falcons would ride the momentum from the third set to go up 5-1 in set four. Liscumb excited the alumni in the crowd with a kill. A service ace from Ridings followed by a block from Blissett kept the red and white on top 18-12. Consecutive right side hits from Mason extended Fanshawe's lead and the Falcons went on to upset the Niagara Knights 3-1 with a 25-17 fourth set victory. Fanshawe had four players in double-digit points in the match; Mason (17), McFadden (15), Ridings (15) and Blissett (12).      

Next up, Fanshawe travels to Sudbury to face the Cambrian Golden Shield (0-14) on Saturday, February 8.