(London, Ontario) – On Saturday evening, the Fanshawe Women's Volleyball team (3-13) fell to the Niagara Knights (10-6) at the Glenn Johnston Athletic Centre in four sets.
Hannah Onyema (St. Thomas, ON) recorded a block early in the match, but the visitors got off to a good start, leading 9-2. Then, the Birds found inspiration. Setter, Ally Taylor (Regina, SK) made a great set to Taryn Elgersma (London, ON) who converted. Onyema also added to Fanshawe's run with a block and Ari Peake (London, ON) recorded a spectacular block. Fanshawe's run decreased Niagara's advantage to only four points. Despite Fanshawe's effort, they came up short and the visitors took set one 25-12.
Peake recorded an ace to begin set two for the Birds. The Birds tied things at three when second-year Ashlyn Gooder (St. Catharines, ON) executed a cross-court kill. To put the Falcons up one, Onyema recorded her second block of the match. Kills by Grace McLean (Dorchester, ON) and Elgersma also pushed Fanshawe's advantage. The Knights began to battle back and tied the set at 18-18. Then, Fanshawe won seven consecutive rallies which included an Onyema ace, McLean kill, and two aces by Olivia Burberry (Dorchester, ON). Fanshawe won set two 25-18.
A kill be Elgersma opened set three for the Birds. Onyema followed with a kill to give the Falcons a 2-1 advantage over the visitors. Unfortunately, the Knights took control of the game and later were up 13-6. Elgersma placed a beautiful kill between the Niagara blockers. Fanshawe's scrappy play had the crowd on their feet and the motivated Falcons pulled together a 6-0 run which cut Niagara's lead to three. Gooder recorded a kill and then an ace on back-to-back plays to keep the Birds in the game. Ultimately, the Knights pulled away, and set three ended in a score of 25-17 in the visitor's favour.
McLean made a terrific block to kick off the fourth set, but the Knights found their stride and went up 8-3. Later, Onyema made a soaring kill for her seventh point of the match. Set four and the match came to a close with a Knights 25-13 victory.
The remaining Fanshawe Volleyball of the regular season will be on the road. The Birds will face Boreal (1-15) next on Saturday, February 3.
