When it comes to 2014-15 women's volleyball matches between the Redeemer Royals and Niagara Knights, one word comes to mind. Dramatic.
The two teams last met on November 7th in a grueling five set marathon that saw the Knights emerge victorious. The January 16th meeting proved to be even more impressive. The Knights rallied from two sets down, winning the final three frames to secure the victory, moving into sole possession of second place in the OCAA West in the process.
The set scores in the over two hour battle were 21-25, 14-25, 25-19, 25-15, 15-8.
"We came out flat tonight" said Knights head Coach Joey Martins. "We did not play well in the first two sets, but we battled back, re-grouped, and came away with a real character victory."
The Knights were led offensively by third-year outside hitter Linnea Davis. The Brampton native and Niagara College sport management student was dominant offensively for the Knights finishing with a team high 14 kills, one block, and four digs.
The turning point in the match came in the third set. Down two sets to nothing, and 15-14 in the frame, Knights outside hitter Madison Morgan (Whitby) stepped to the service line and served five straight aces, swinging the match momentum for Niagara.
"Maddy had a really strong game tonight" continued Coach Martins. "She finished with nine kills, six aces, and three blocks. She also passed really well, leading us in digs with 16. A real solid effort."
The five-foot-nine Morgan is in her second year with the Knights. She is a graduate of All Saints Catholic Secondary School, and is currently enrolled in the Niagara College recreation and leisure service program.
Veteran Stratford natives Lucy McLay and Nicole Schoonderwoerd also turned in strong performances for Niagara, finishing with 14 and 10 points respectively.
The victory moves the Knights to 9-3 on the season and temporarily into second place in the highly competitive OCAA West Division. The team will return to action on Thursday, November 22 at 6:00pm when they host the Fanshawe Falcons (3-7) at the Welland Athletic Centre.
