For the first time since 2010 the Niagara College women's soccer program walked off the pitch in victory. After two rebuilding seasons, Wednesday afternoon saw the Knights defeat the Redeemer University College Royals 2-0.
The summer of 2013 saw Frank DeChellis named the Knights new head coach, and from day one, DeChellis's emphasis has been the recruitment of skilled and experienced players, and the development of individual skills and overall team fitness.
After the victory DeChellis commented "It's great for the program to get this win. Kristin Campbell, one of our assistant coaches, has been working on our team's fitness levels for the last three weeks. And tonight it showed. Our win tonight is a direct result of the players' work ethic in training."
First-year forward Alexis Gilby opened the scoring in the 26th minute, connecting off a corner kick for the Knights. The St. Catharines native is a graduate of Laura Secord Secondary School and is enrolled in the Child and Youth Worker program at Niagara College.
The Royals opened the second half with a flurry. DeChellis continued "we needed to weather a bit of a storm during the first 25 minutes of the second half as Redeemer was pressing to equalize."
One of the determining factors in the match proved to be the Knights' second-year goalkeeper Melanie Bajic. "Melanie proved up to the task today" commented DeChellis. "She finished with a very busy but clean sheet in the shutout."
Bajic, a native of Grimsby, is one of the Knights' key returning players. Her shutout performance was aided by the strong defensive efforts of veterans Olivia Page, Chelsea Fraser, Cassie Gilmore, Leah Harrison, and Ashley Moccia.
Defender, Olivia Page commented "we could all feel the chemistry on the field, and we could feel our team coming together as the game progressed. Our team chemistry has been building for three weeks."
Recording the Knights' second tally was first-year midfielder Kayla Cassar. The Whitby native, and fitness and health promotion student notched her first career CCAA goal in the 72nd minute.
Up next for the Knights is the team's home opener on Saturday, September 14thwhen the team hosts the defending OCAA Champion Humber Hawks. Kickoff is set for 3:00pm at Youngs Sportsplex and admission is free.
