CREDIT: JASON YOUNG, FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
The Fanshawe Falcons' men's volleyball team have started off strong this season with a record of 7-2.

Despite coming off of a tough loss in their last game on Friday, Nov. 20 against the top-seeded Mohawk Mountaineers, the Fanshawe Falcons’ men’s volleyball team is having an excellent start to the season. Their current record of 7-2 puts them in second place in the OCAA West standings. The nationally ranked Mountaineers handed the Falcons their only loss in which they did not win a set.

However, while it can be difficult to take a positive spin from a loss, the Falcons played three very close sets against the third-ranked team in the entire nation. They have proven that they can hold their own against even the toughest competition.

Currently, the team is ranked seventh nationally.

The team is led under the direction of head coach Patrick Johnston, who is optimistic about his team’s chances this season.

“I think we’re off to such a strong start due to our depth,” he said.

When asked if he had any key players or notable performers, he was quick to emphasize the team dynamic of this squad.

“We have 14 players that I can trust to go in at any point and perform a role,” Johnston said. The Falcons’ success derives from this approach. A team is not in need of a superstar if every player can contribute.

The Falcons already have playoff hopes in mind and believe it is a realistic goal to get there. As their depth is a key to their early success, coach Johnston sees it being a key for the rest of the season and into the playoffs.

“The key for us in the second half will remain our depth,” he said. “We are adding a couple of players in January that can have an immediate impact.”

With several games in 2016 against difficult and skilled opponents, the new additions to the Falcons may make the difference in where the team finishes. However their coach is not worried about finishing strong this season.

“Add [the new additions] to our current 14 guys and we could be in business.”

The Falcons have a final home game remaining in 2015 on Wednesday, Dec. 2 against the St. Clair Saints.