Male - Romario James, Men’s Soccer
Men’s soccer goalkeeper Romario James (Bahamas) has been named the Niagara College male athlete of the week for a great showing on the road against the Redeemer Royals.
James kept his team in a close battle all game long, making a list of key saves including a highlight reel moment when he stopped three net-front shots in a matter of seconds after a scramble in front of his own net. The stops came in the final moments of the match and they prevented his team from conceding what would have been the game-winning goal for the Royals.
“Romario did a great job again today,” said Niagara head coach Frank DeChellis on his goalkeeper’s performance against Redeemer. “He served as Guyana’s U17 and U23 goalkeeper in various contests and has been working hard to get his game back up to the level we need. He is fearless and showed that several times over the past two matches.”
So far on the season, the second year Protection, Security, and Investigation student has two clean sheets in four games played; his other coming against the St. Clair Saints back on September 15th in a 1-0 victory.
James will look to keep the momentum going when his team continues their season against the Lambton Lions (0-5, 6th OCAA West). The match takes place on September 26th at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Rd, Welland) at 6pm. Admission is free for all spectators.
Female - Lauren Frasca, Women’s Soccer
Women’s soccer player Lauren Frasca (Welland) has earned Niagara College female athlete of the week honours after helping her team secure a 2-1 victory against the Redeemer Royals on September 22nd.
In the 34th minute of the game, Frasca, Kennedi Risi (Thorold) and Katelyn Mix (Gilford) connected on a beautiful three-touch sequence, with Mix burying the opportunity and giving Niagara the 1-0 lead.
After the Royals stunned the Knights by scoring an equalizing goal in the 85th minute of the match, the second year Fitness and Health Promotion student continued to battle hard instead of accepting what would have been a draw. During injury time, Frasca dribbled her way through the entire Royals’ defence before executing a perfect cross to Michelle Maecker (Fonthill) who finished off Frasca’s unbelievable play to give the Knights the 2-1 victory and a very important three points.
The Notre Dame College School alumnus helped her team gain some ground in the OCAA West standings as they are trying to catch up to the Mohawk Mountaineers (3-1-1, 2nd OCAA West) and the Fanshawe Falcons (5-0, 1st OCAA West).
Frasca and the rest of the Niagara Knights will continue their OCAA season against the Lambton Lions on September 26th. The match will be played at Youngs Sportsplex (570 River Rd, Welland) and will begin at 4pm. Admission is free for all spectators.
