With their playoff hopes on the line, the Niagara College Women's Volleyball Program won their second consecutive match. Thursday night saw the Knights cruise to an impressive three-set sweep over the visiting Mohawk Mountaineers. The set scores for the match were 26-24, 25-18, 25-11.
Thursday was the Knights final home game of the 2012-13 season and was kicked off with the five graduating members of the Women's Volleyball Program being formally recognized for their contributions to the Varsity Athletics Program at Niagara College. The Graduating players include, Courtney Crossey, Anne Taylor, starting libero Corrie Hill, starting middle blocker Lindsay Murray, and starting setter Ava Sarkis.
The match was a must win for the Knights as the team was sitting in a tie for fifth place in the competitive OCAA West Division. "This is a big win for us" said Knights Head Coach Joey Martins.
The Knights controlled the game from the opening serve, utilizing an accurate first hit passing game that has eluded the team since the December break. Coach Martins added "We passed really well tonight, which allowed Ava (Sarkis) to set our offense, and we executed tonight."
Third-year setter Ava Sarkis had her strongest game in recent weeks, calling an outstanding game and setting up her teammates for easy kills throughout the match. Sarkis was playing in her last game on home court for the Knights, as the Welland native will graduate from the Environmental Technician Program this spring.
Coach Martins felt his team's strong play over the last two matches has been a result of "spending a lot of time on video analysis, and making sure the team knows the game plan."
Graduating third-year middle Lindsay Murray continued her strong play, disrupting the Mountaineers attack all match, while also contributing four offensive points. The 2011-12 OCAA West Region Second-Team All-Star will graduate from the Niagara College Environmental Management Program.
Coach Martins feel strong about his team's next two matches, "We're focused on making a playoff spot right now. We control our own destiny, and if win we can secure a crossover playoff game."
The Knights have little time to reflect on the impressive victory as the team will travel to London Friday night to take on the 12-3 Fanshawe Falcons.
