The last time Niagara played Sheridan, the Bruins defeated the Knights 3-2 and snapped their six-game winning streak while knocking them from the CCAA top 15 rankings.
The only thing different in tonight's game than when they previously matched up was this time the Knights were playing in front of a large crowd at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. The Knights started another six-game winning streak and fought their way back into the CCAA rankings, sitting at number 11 in the country.
On February 12, the women's volleyball (14-3, 2nd West) program kept their win streak alive by defeating the Bruins (12-6, 3rd West) in straight sets 3-0 – 25-13, 25-18, 25-23. The win extended the streak to a season-high seven straight and guaranteed the Knights a second place finish in the OCAA West standings. Niagara has won three consecutive matches in straight sets and have 10 perfect matches this season.
The exceptional play from middle blockers Alexandria Botelho (Stoney Creek), Devon Lowes (Oakville) and Shaniah Wielink (Vineland) helped lead the Knights to victory once again. "Tonight we wanted to use the mismatch in the middle", said fourth year head coach Joey Martins. "We felt if we could get our middles involved we would have a good shot offensively against a tough Sheridan team."
Botelho, a human resource manager major, led the Knights offensively, recording a game-high 14 points. Fifth year outside hitter Lucy McLay (Stratford) recorded 11 points, her fifth straight game in double digits. First year libero Kennisis VanSoelen (Orangeville) recorded 16 digs, her sixth game this season in double digits.
Even though the Knights will finish the 2014-15 OCAA regular season in second place, they will not receive the customary first round bye that accompanies it. The Redeemer Royals will be hosting provincials this season, therefore they are guaranteed the second seed. This means the Knights have locked up the third seed and will be hosting a home playoff game on Sunday, February 22. Their opponent for the game will be whichever team finishes in the sixth seed in the OCAA east.
Before the game, the Niagara College Department of Athletics and Recreation honoured five graduating players and presented them with framed and personalized individual photos to recognize their academic success. The honoured student-athletes were: Lucy McLay, Nicole Schoonderwoerd (Tavistock), Madison Morgan (Whitby), Vaska Hamanova (Mississauga) and Shaniah Wielink.
Up next for the Knights will be the last game of the regular season on Sunday, February 15, at home against the St. Clair Saints (11-6, 4th West) with first-serve scheduled for 1:00pm.
