Falcons Top Boreal in First Leg of Back-to-Back

(London, Ontario) The Falcons Men's Volleyball team (11-3) welcomed Boreal (0-12) to Glenn Johnston Athletic Centre on Saturday night, topping the Vipers three sets to one.

Fanshawe began the night with a slow start, falling behind Boreal early. After building themselves a deficit, the Birds went on a five to nothing run late in the set to get within two points but Boreal ultimately prevailed, wining set one 25-21.

Fanshawe rebounded strongly in the second set, starting with a 12-6 lead. First-year outside hitter Jacob Goldszmidt (London, ON) made the most of his first opportunity on the court this season, tallying 12 points and showcasing his impressive aerial ability. The Falcons' increased aggressiveness proved to be the difference, as they cruised to a 25-14 win to even the match at one set apiece.

The momentum continued into the third set, with Ty Klassen (Niagara Falls, ON) stepping up to lead the charge. Fanshawe did a much better job of setting up attacking opportunities, and Klassen capitalized with multiple key kills. The Falcons claimed the set 25-19 to take two sets to one lead.

Determined to avoid a deciding fifth set, the Falcons turned up the intensity in the fourth. Jason McPhee (Barrie, ON) was a standout performer, leading the team with 11 kills and 16 points. Despite giving some key starters the night off, coach Patrick Johnston saw the rest of the squad step up and deliver.

Falcons Fall in Straight Sets to Cambrian

(London, Ontario) – The Fanshawe Falcons Men's Volleyball team (11-4) took on Cambrian (9-4) at home Sunday afternoon, falling in straight sets.

Both teams got off to a slow start offensively, struggling to land their serves. The first set was a back-and-forth battle, with both sides trading points. Zack Admans (St. Thomas, ON) was aggressive early, collecting multiple of his team-high 10 points. However, Cambrian proved too much to handle, and the Falcons dropped the first set 25-21.

The second set was filled with drama, as neither team could build a substantial lead. It appeared the Falcons were poised to respond after a powerful kill by Tanner Paterson (Baden, ON), giving them a 24-23 lead. However, Cambrian had other plans, extending the set and ultimately taking it 30-28.

The third set continued the intensity of the second, once again extending beyond 25 points a side. The Falcons' service game proved to be their Achilles heel, with an uncharacteristic 19 service errors hurting their offensive efforts. They dropped the third set 28-26 and fell three sets to none in the match.

Fanshawe's Men's team will look to bounce back in their next game on Saturday, January 25th, against Humber (14-1) in a highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the OCAA West Division. The Falcons Fest showdown will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Glenn Johnston Athletic Centre.

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