Female Athlete of the Week – Linnea Davis, Women’s Volleyball
Linnea Davis (Brampton) of the Niagara Knights women’s volleyball program (11-5, 2nd OCAA West) has been named this week’s female athlete of the week. Davis led the Knights to a pair of three-set wins over the weekend.
The fourth-year outside hitter simply overpowered the opponents in leading the Knights to victory. On Saturday against the Cambrian Golden Shield, Davis recorded seven service aces to go along with four kills and two blocks en route to a 3-0 victory over the visitors. With a quick turnaround for an afternoon matchup with the Boreal Vipères on Sunday afternoon, Davis was once again a team leader. She recorded three kills, four service aces and one block for eight points in the match in another 3-0 victory.
Using a combination of experience and skill, the Sport Management student has been a consistent leader on and off the court this season for the Knights. Head Coach Ray Sarkis has leaned upon Davis in critical situations as of late, and it has paid off with three straight victories for Niagara.
With the Knights currently tied for second place in the OCAA West division with the Fanshawe Falcons, they have a pair of important games coming up to wrap up the season. They will host the Conestoga Condors on February 12th before heading to Sheridan for a date with the Bruins on February 16th. A pair of Niagara victories, combined with at least one Fanshawe loss will earn the Knights a bye directly into the OCAA Championships on February 25-27 @ Canadore College in North Bay.
Male Athlete of the Week – Cole Jordan, Men’s Volleyball
Cole Jordan (London) of the Niagara Knight men’s volleyball program (13-3, 2nd OCAA West) has been named this week’s male athlete of the week. Jordan was instrumental in a pair of Knights victories over the visiting Cambrian Golden Shield and Boreal Vipères.
On Saturday evening against the Golden Shield, Jordan’s service game was on point. In only two sets of action he recorded seven of his nine points by way of service ace in the Knights 3-0 victory. The following day in a 3-0 victory over Boreal, it was a Super Sunday afternoon for Jordan. He lead the team on both sides of the ball, recording game-high totals of eight kills, three service aces, eight digs for 11 points. In all Jordan recorded 20 points by way of 10 service aces and 10 kills, as well as nine digs in the two contests.
With the pair of victories the Cole Jordan and the Knights now find themselves in control of their own playoff destiny. Holding a four point lead over third place, the Knights need a victory in either of their final two regular season contests to clinch second place in the OCAA West division. A second place finish will lock down a first round bye for the Knights and a berth directly into the OCAA Championships on March 25-27 at Seneca College. The Knights host the Conestoga Condors on February 12th before visiting the Sheridan Bruins on February 19th to close out the season.
