November 18th, 2023
Welland, On. - Saturday afternoon saw the Niagara College Knights women's volleyball program fall to the 2nd ranked St. Clair Saints by a score of 3-0 (Set scores were 21-25, 12-25 and 19-25). Despite the loss, the Knights will look to use Saturday's defeat to the Saints as a learning lesson going forward in the season.
"We need to continue to play our game" said Knights head coach Elaine Pilgrim-Susi. "I think there's a little bit of nerves in there as well playing a tough team like St. Clair. We have the skills, we have the knowledge, we just have to keep it going all the way through".
A bright spot in the Knights lineup was 4th year setter Montana Taylor. The 5'8 St.Catharines native led the Knights in both digs (11) and assists (10).
"Montana is stellar, she always is" said Pilgrim-Susi following the game. "She brings it all and leaves it all out on the court every single time, and she's a fantastic teammate as well".
On offense, the Knights were led by 3rd year outside hitter Abbey Gooder. The 5'10 St. Catharines native's 6 kills led the team in the match. Also providing for the Knights were 1st year outside hitter Kyleigh Baxter with 5 kills and 6 digs and 2nd year outside hitter Hope Nicholson with 4 kills and 8 digs.
The Knights will look to bounce back from the defeat when they travel to Ancaster this Wednesday, November 22nd to take on the 4-4 Redeemer Royals. The Knights will be back at home next Saturday, November 25th when the 5-3 Mohawk Mountaineers come to the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre for a 1:00 pm start.
