RECAP: Alex Craig hat trick paces Knights to victory

RECAP: Alex Craig hat trick paces Knights to victory

Make it two in a row for the Niagara Knights women's soccer program as Tuesday night saw the team defeat the home field Redeemer Royals 6-0 in OCAA West division action.

The Knights scored early and often, notching two in the opening 27 minutes, and adding four more in the second half.

The team was paced by dynamic second year forward Alex Craig. The Oakville native recorded a hat trick with goals in the 61st, 65th, and 81st minutes. Craig spent the 2016 season with the Sheridan Bruins before transferring to Niagara College to pursue a diploma in Sport Management.

Craig has battled the injury bug in the early stages of 2017, but after the match the Oakville Trafalgar graduate added "it felt good to finally be healthy enough to contribute and help the team."

Fonthill's Michelle Maecker increased her team leading scoring total to 4, scoring a pair of goals in the 27th and 62nd minutes. From the wing position the former E.L. Crossley standout has been outstanding for the Knights in 2017, bringing a dangerous scoring threat to the team's offence.

Rounding out the Knights offensive attack was second year midfielder Samantha Mascai. The Port Colborne native notched her first career OCAA goal. The former Lakeshore Gator opened the scoring in the 12th minute.

In net first year keeper Alexis Hebert (Waterdown, St. Mary's) recorded her first career OCAA shutout for Niagara.

The Knights dominated the contest, directing a total of 31 shots towards the Royals' goal while conceded just three attempts against.

The win is the Knights second consecutive victory, and moves the team to 2-3 on the season and into the midst of jockeying for OCAA Playoff positioning.

"This group of individuals is really beginning to play like a team" said Knights head coach Rob Lalama. "We have been playing well over the last two matches, and we need to continue improving every time we take to the field."

The Knights have had a gruelling start to the 2017 season. Through five games the team has played just once at home. Up next the team will host the Lambton Lions at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 30th at Youngs SportsPlex in Welland.