Rachel Rivers (Cambridge) and Jordan Koslowski (Hamilton) of the Niagara Knights women's volleyball program (13-5, 2nd OCAA West) received OCAA recognition on Thursday morning at the OCAA Women's Volleyball Championship banquet.
Rivers, a second-year computer programming analyst student, was a catalyst for the Knights this season en route to being named an OCAA First-Team All-Star. In her first season with the Knights, the well-rounded outside hitter, led the team in a number of statistical categories. Offensively she posted a team best 165 points for an average of 3.1 per set. Her attacking percentage of .276 also led the Knights, and was good enough for twelfth in the OCAA. Rivers also set the tone defensively for Niagara, leading the Knights with 144 digs.
Head Coach Ray Sarkis did not downplay the importance of Rivers presence in the lineup. "Rachel has been a major player in the success of our team this year," said Sarkis, "And will continue to be if we are to have success at the OCAA Championship." Aside from her stats, Rivers has been leaned upon for her leadership and experience both on and off the court this season.
Jordan Koslowski, a first-year outside hitter, was named an OCAA All-Rookie for her efforts this season. While she showed glimpses of excellence early in the season, Koslowski rounded into form as the season wore on. She recorded double-digit point output in four of the final five regular season games. Her 2.4 points per set and .172 kill percentage placed her in the top 30 in the OCAA in both categories.
It is hopefully just the tip of the iceberg for Koslowski's collegiate career. "Jordan is just realizing her potential in the OCAA," said Sarkis of the rookie, "she is a player who will dominate in the next couple of years as she matures as a player and leader on the court."
Rivers, Koslowski and the rest of the Knights will kick-off their OCAA Championship on Thursday afternoon at 3:00 pm against the Trent Voyageurs (16-4, 3rd OCAA West). The game will air live on Cogeco TV in the Nigara region and will be streamed live at www.canadoretv.com.
