If there's one place the Niagara Knights women's volleyball program wants to go this season, it's up. Coming off a 2015-16 campaign that saw the Knights fall to the Humber Hawks in the OCAA Championship, earning a silver medal, the team is hoping to take the next step when the 2016-17 OCAA regular season opens up this evening.
After spending the last six seasons at the university level as an assistant coach with the McMaster Marauders men's and women's programs, Head Coach Nathan Janzen took over the Knights program in mid-March. During his tenure with the Marauders he captured five OUA championships, one U Sports silver medal, and two U Sports bronze medals with the men and one OUA championship with the women. With experience on his side, the Hamilton native is now ready to compete with the OCAA's best.
"Obviously our ultimate goal is to compete for an OCAA Gold Medal this season," said Janzen regarding his expectations entering the season. "However, right now we are enjoying the process, competing hard in practice, and putting a heavy emphasis on improving everyday." Janzen will have the benefit of returning eight players from last year's silver medal squad, in addition to strong mix of incoming players.
On the roster are 2015-16 OCAA First-Team All-Star Rachel Rivers (Cambridge) and OCAA All-Rookie Jordan Koslowski (Hamilton). Rivers, who will miss some games to start the season due to injury, was both a leader on and off the court last season. The third-year outside hitter led the team in a number of statistical categories, including points and attacking percentage a year ago. Koslowski, also an outside hitter, was one of the most dominant players in the OCAA in the second half of last season. She recorded double-digit point outputs in four of the final five regular season games, and was named a tournament all-star at the 2016 OCAA Women's Volleyball Championship.
In addition to Rivers and Koslowski, other players back in the mix are third-year libero Kennisis VanSoelen (Orangeville), setter Bailey Davis (Georgetown), and outside hitters Samantha Bailey (Cambridge) and Linnea Davis (Brampton). Alongside the returnees, a strong core of incoming players will bolster an already strong lineup.
The Knights have added transfers Brooklyn Hamilton (Valleyview, AB), an 6'2" outside hitter from Cape Breton University, and Amy Bultje (Chatham) a 6'1" middle blocker from Redeemer University College. The Knights have also added rookie middle blocker Sahara Aburaneh (Nelson, BC) to the mix, providing some added depth at the position.
Janzen believes his team will be able to play a more up tempo style this year, which will create even more open looks for their powerful outside hitters. "While much of our personnel has stayed the same, we are playing a slightly faster style," added Janzen. "We are working hard to serve tougher and manage opponent serving pressure."
Niagara draws a pair of tough opponents to kick-off the regular season. They begin tonight in London as they take on the Fanshawe Falcons, who finished in third place, just a game behind the Knights in the 2015-16 OCAA West Division standings. Last season the teams split their matches, with each team winning their contest on home court. On Sunday the Knights will travel to Windsor to take on the St. Clair Saints, who will serve as the host of the 2017 OCAA Women's Volleyball Championship in February.
The Niagara Knights will open the home portion of their regular season schedule on November 4th, when they welcome the Mohawk Mountaineers to the Welland Campus Athletic Centre for their home opener. Tickets for all home games can be purchased at the door for $5.00 while students and those under the age of 17 are admitted free.