October 27, 2022...OSHAWA - For the first time in the program's history, the Niagara Knights women's soccer team is headed to the semi-final at the 2022 OCAA women's soccer championship hosted by Durham College.
The Knights knocked off the second-place East division team, the Algonquin Wolves, in this morning's quarter-final match by a score of 5-0.
The Knights made quick work of the Wolves with the OCAA West division scoring champion, Sydney Sica scoring 11 minutes in and again just 1 minute later to go up 2-0 on Algonquin. Sica's two goals put her at six for the post-season thus far. Tori Hultink then netted two to put the Knights up to a 4-0 lead heading into the second half.
The Knights played a defensive game for the final 45 keeping it a 4-0 until the 86th minute where Hultink completed a hat trick to put the final nail in the coffin and securing Niagara's spot in the semi-final round.
"I couldn't ne prouder of this team today," said head coach Rob Lalama.
"They were very relaxed and calm before the game. Once the math started you could see their determination and will to win every play. I've never coached a tighter group."
Head coach Rob Lalama has guided his team to the post-season since taking the reins in the 2017-2018 season, but has yet to reach the semi-final round of the OCAA Championship tournament. Lalama and the Knights reached the quarter-final of the OCAA Championships both in 2018-2019, and again in 2019-2020, but lost to Durham and Fanshawe respectively.
Niagara will now face the winner of today's second quarter-final match between the Humber Hawks and Cambrian Golden Shield that takes place at 12:30pm today. Friday will serve as a practice day, as well as the Championship awards banquet before competition resumes Saturday where the Knights will kick-off against their eventual opponent at 12:00 pm.
Sunday's medal rounds are set for a 12:00pm bronze final, with the gold set for a 3:00pm kick-off.
