27 straight OCAA victories for No. 1 Men's Volleyball

WELLAND — Top-ranked Humber men's volleyball remained undefeated on the season, defeating the Niagara Knights (3-5, 7th West) Wednesday evening at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre, 3-1. The final set scores were 25-15, 25-19, 23-25 and 26-24.

As is often the case, it was the duo of Joshua Fadare and Jake Gomes that paced Humber on the evening. Fadare was the focal point for the Humber's attack, as he finished with 26 points, recording a career-high 23 kills to go along with two blocks and one ace. Gomes facilitated the Hawks offence all night as he finished with 39 assists while recording six points on five aces and one kill.

The opening set was all Humber as they dominated from start to finish to take an early 1-0 set lead. Joshua Fadare was a force in the set leading the Hawks with eight points in the set on six kills and two blocks.

It was more of the same for Humber in the second as they controlled the momentum throughout the set. Seven different Humber players recorded a point in the set as the Hawks took a commanding 2-0 set lead.

The third set was a completely different story as each team sat tied midway through the set at 16 points. Both sides continued to trade point up to the very end where a final two-point run by Niagara, capped off by an ace gave them the set, the score now 2-1.

It was a thrilling fourth set as both teams traded points for much of the frame, with everything still tied up at 20 points apiece. A 4-1 run would put Humber on match point, but Niagara would battle back tying it back up at 24 points. Joshua Fadare and Jake Gomes would answer for the Hawks, as a Fadare kill followed by a Gomes ace would ice the game as Humber took the match, 3-1.

Humber Highlights

• Humber improves to 29-11 all-time against Niagara.
• Joshua Fadare is currently leading the OCAA in points (6.0), kills (4.38) and service aces (1.14) per set.
• Fadare's current pace of 1.14 service aces per set would establish a new program record for a single season, while his 6.0 points per set would be good for third all-time.
• After his five aces on the night, Jake Gomes needs seven more over his last two matches to surpass Humber legend Terrel Bramwell for most in program history.
• The Hawks extend their win streak against the OCAA to 27 - the previous best was 19 from Nov. 22, 2011, to Nov. 10, 2012.
• Coach Wilkins extends his all-time wins record to 382.

What's Next?

No. 1 Humber volleyball (7-0, 1st West) will stay on the road for a matchup against the St. Clair Saints (1-6, 9th West) on Mar. 4. First serve is set for 2:30 pm.