November 4, 2023
WELLAND, ONT: The Niagara Knights (3-1) lost their first game of the season at their home opener. On November 4th the Knights won the first two sets of the game, before losing the last three sets to the Conestoga Condors (3-1).
Unfortunately, the Knights could not extend their winning streak to four games after having a strong start, winning the first two sets25-20 and 25-22. The Condors came back in the match and the Knights surprisingly lost the last three sets with a close score of 22-25, 18-25, 10-15.
"I think we shot ourselves in the foot and just compounded too many errors and just kind of gave that one away," said Niagara Knights head coach Steve Stone. The Knights coach also had some positive things to say about the home opener and his team's performance, "We started out hot for two and a half sets. We played really really well and then it was great. I mean there were loads of fans out, the crowd was energized, loads of energy. It was a fun atmosphere to play in."
One thing that head coach Steve Stone thought that everyone could take away from the Knights performance was "I think just being gritty and fighting, because I mean, despite the result, they still stayed in it and fought and were competitive the whole way through."
Some notable players from the game are Elijah Bugiardini who had 12 kills while playing in all five sets, followed by Ashton Nieuwets and Micah Nieuwets who both had seven kills.
Support your Niagara Knights by attending their next home games at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre at Welland Campus against Cambrian on Friday, November 10th and Boreal on Saturday, November 11th.
