It was the start to the season that the Niagara Knights women's volleyball program (1-0, 2nd OCAA West) was looking for. The Knights defeated the Fanshawe Falcons (0-1, 5th OCAA West) 3-1 (23-25, 27-25, 25-15, 25-18). It was also the first victory at Niagara for new Head Coach Nathan Janzen.
The Knights got off to a slow start, dropping the first set on the road. Niagara went toe-to-toe in the first set, but were never able to grab the lead from the Falcons. "Fanshawe played really well in the first set," said Janzen. "We were able to stay with them, but could never pull ahead."
The second set was much like the first, with the Falcons unable to eclipse the Knights. It was in the third and fourth sets where Niagara began to roll. The Knights earned a pair of decisive set wins to return home with their first victory of the season. "In the third and fourth sets we really settled in," added Janzen. "Our passing stabilized and our service pressure improved leading to the win."
Offensively the Knights were paced by Samantha Bailey (Cambridge) who recorded a game high 16 kills. Jordan Koslowski (Hamilton) added 11 kills, while Linnea Davis (Brampton) and Brooklyn Hamilton (Valleyview, AB) added nine apiece. Bailey Davis (Georgetown) provided 42 assists.
"Bailey Davis did a fantastic job setting our offence, creating multiple open looks all throughout the evening," Janzen stated of his setter. Davis provided 42 assists in the contest, eclipsing her regular season high of 36 last season.
The Knights will now have a couple of days off before hitting the road on Sunday, October 30th. Niagara will visit the St. Clair Saints (1-0, 2nd OCAA West) in Windsor. The Knights hope this is their first of many games in Windsor this season, as the Saints are the host of the 2017 OCAA Women's Volleyball Championship in February.
Niagara returns to Welland for their home opener on Friday, November 4th when the Mohawk Mountaineers visit the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. 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.
