Male – Noah DiEgidio, Men’s Soccer

Noah DiEgidio (Welland) of the Niagara Knights men’s soccer program has been named the Niagara College male athlete of the week following a pair of key victories this past week.

The second year Electrical Engineering Technology student has asserted himself in the Knights lineup this season and was a key factor in the Knights victories of the Lambton Lions and Mohawk Mountaineers. DiEgidio tallied his third goal of the season with a 31^st minute strike against the Mountaineers, and served as a disruptive force throughout the both contests. 

“Noah sets a good example for the younger players and is respected by veterans on our team,” said Head Coach Frank DeChellis. “He contributed a goal against Mohawk while also filling in at some new spots while the team works through injuries.”  

With a playoff spot locked up, DiEgidio and his teammates will look to keep the momentum going when the Redeemer Royals visit Welland. The match takes place on October 2^nd at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Rd, Welland) at 6pm. Admission is free for all spectators. 

Female – Michelle Maecker, Women’s Soccer 

Women’s soccer player Michelle Maecker (Fonthill) has earned Niagara College female athlete of the week honours after becoming the Knights all-time career goals leader, notching three goals in two games to reach 11 on her career.

The second year Recreation Therapy student started the week with a 2-goal performance against the visiting Lambton Lions. Her third and fourth goals of the season, Maecker moved herself into a tie with Jackie Lawther for the career goals lead with 10 halfway through her second season.

Entering a weekend road matchup with the Mohawk Mountaineer, she wasted no time in notching the 11^th goal of her Knights career to move herself into sole position as the Knights all-time leading scorer. Converting a Renee LaFrance cross, Maecker notched her fifth goal of the season on route to a 2-1 victory for Niagara. 

Knights Head Coach Rob Lalama was blunt in his assessment as to why Maecker has reached the top of the scoring heap at Niagara. “Michelle is a pure goal scorer with a rocket of a shot,” Lalama said. “She is a tireless worker who has a knack of scoring anywhere near the net.” 

It will be a quick turnaround for the EL Crossley grad and her teammates, as they welcome the Redeemer Royals for a key OCAA West matchup on October 2^nd. The match will be played at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Rd, Welland) and will begin at 4pm. Admission is free for all spectators.