February 15, 2025
ETOBICOKE, ON: The Niagara Knights men's volleyball team continue their playoff run
by travelling to Etobicoke to take on the top seeded Humber Hawks in the quarterfinals.
Despite giving all that they could, the Hawks came out and delivered a 3-0 loss to the
Knights. Set scores were 18-25, 13-25 and 24-26.
The Knights had a tall task ahead of them, trying to defeat the lone #1 seed left in the
playoffs. The match started off with both teams trading points back and forth before the
Hawks found their groove and took the lead, ultimately winning the 1 st set. The 2 nd set
had the Knights trying to find their mojo as the Hawks came out determined to take the
early 2-0 set lead. Unfortunately, the Knights couldn't find their footing as the set kept
slipping away from them, eventually taking a 12-point set loss. The 3 rd set was a
different story as the Knights tried to turn the tables and put some pressure on the
Hawks. A close set from start to finish, the Hawks were able to come away with the 26-
24 extra point set win, closing the door on the Knights' playoff run.
Ashton Nieuwets, the 4 th year outside hitter from Eden High School, led the Knights in
scoring with 8 points on 8 kills, 11 digs and 1 assist. Middles, Rowan Redekop and
Riley Orr, combined for 10 points on 7 kills, 2 digs, 2 blocks and 1 service ace. Micah
Nieuwets, the 4 th year outside hitter playing libero this year, ended the contest with 11
digs and 1 assist.
Steve Stone, head coach of the Niagara Knights, began by saying that this is "not the
result you hope for but we also know that Humber is #1 for a reason – it was going to be
a steep mountain to climb but we believed we could do it." Stone continued to comment
on the team by saying that he is "proud of the guys' fight in the third set, in particular. It
says a lot when you go down 2 and still come out swinging and fighting. I'm grateful for
the boys' efforts and growth throughout the season and wish all my graduating athletes
nothing but the best. I am also thankful for my coaching staff – they help make my job
possible and we were in a good spot thanks to them."
This unfortunate loss ends the season for the Knights, as they bow out of the playoffs in
the quarter finals. They will look to rest up a bit before heading back to the court to
work on their game in preparation for next season.
For more information on the Knights' teams, please visit us at www.goknights.ca.