No. 3 Men’s Volleyball defeats Niagara in five-set thriller

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

ETOBICOKE – The chilly weather on Wednesday evening could not cool down No. 3 Humber men's volleyball (14-0, 1^st West), as they brought the heat against the Niagara Knights (7-6, 5^th West). The Hawks defeated the Knights in a nail-biting five-set showdown (27-29, 25-20, 27-25, 28-30, 15-9) and remain part of an exclusive group—one of just two undefeated teams in Canada, alongside the College of the Rockies Avalanche. Michael McAlpine, Alec Loney and Teyven Blackmore led the charge for Humber, scoring an impressive 59 points collectively. Josh Nicholson had eyes on everyone on the floor, recording a season-high 46 assists.

Match recap

After sweeping the St. Clair Saints for their first win of 2025, Humber men's volleyball had the Niagara Knights as their next challenge. Despite their lower standings, the Knights arrived in Etobicoke with momentum after capturing a comeback victory over the Mohawk Mountaineers in an electrifying five-set tiebreaker.

In the opening set, the Hawks came out firing, with Teyven Blackmore landing back-to-back aces and Michael McAlpine adding another for an early 8-4 lead. Refusing to back down, the Knights fought back to tie the game at 15-15. Despite Niagara's momentum, Humber responded with a four-point run, highlighted by Kyle Gray-Phillips' massive solo block, to send Niagara on a timeout with Humber up by four. The Knights regrouped and mounted a 9-6 run, overcoming the Hawks in a thrilling tiebreaker to claim the set 29-27.

The Hawks maintained control and managed the lead as the second set unfolded much like the first. But, this time, Humber shut down any chance of a Niagara comeback. A red-hot late-game connection between setter Josh Nicholson and middle Alec Loney took care of business as the Hawks captured the set 25-20.

The energy levels at the Nest peaked in the third set, as an intense, back-and-forth clash happened on the court. The Hawks struggled with a formidable performance by the Knights' wall, which put them in control for much of the set. Humber finally took the lead at 19-18, but the tension remained high as the set edged toward another tiebreaker. Big-game player Nazyr Francis rose to the occasion, contributing with clutch points to secure a hard-fought 27-25 set win.

The crowd watched as both teams engaged in a thrilling, point-for-point battle. Neither side could get a comfortable lead, with momentum shifting back and forth throughout the fourth set. The Knights managed to capitalize the last two points to claim the set 30-28.

Niagara entered the fifth set, riding high momentum, not only from their win in the previous set but also from their recent victory over the Mohawk Mountaineers under similar circumstances. However, if there is one team that knows how to thrive in a fifth set in this league, it's the Humber Hawks. Humber took the lead early on and dictated the pace of the set. The pressure quickly mounted for Niagara, and Humber closed out the match with a massive triple block by McAlpine, Loney and Blackmore, 15-9.

Setter Josh Nicholson was named the Player of the Game, recording a season-high 46 assists, six kills and eight digs.

Humber Highlights

• The Hawks hold a 36-16 record against the Knights, 21-5 all-time at the Nest.
• Humber remains the only team in the OCAA with a perfect record and one of just two collegiate teams in the country.
• The Hawks have 21 consecutive wins against the OCAA.
• With 28 seasons at the helm, coach Wayne Wilkins holds a 437-139 all-time record.
• Teyven Blackmore leads the OCAA with an average of 0.72 service aces per set.
• Blackmore also sits second in kills per set with an average of 3.59.

What's next?

No. 3 Humber now focuses on Kitchener, where they will take on the Conestoga Condors (9-5, 4^th West) on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Conestoga Student Recreation Centre. The match is slated for 3 p.m.