February 9, 2025
WELLAND, ON: The OCAA West 3 rd place Niagara Knights women's volleyball team
(12-6) welcomed the visiting 6 th place team from the OCAA East, the Canadore
Panthers (9-9). In a tough battle that took all 5 sets, the Knights emerged triumphant in
a 3-2 victory. Set scores were 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-20 and 15-12.
In a match that had many people anticipating a quick win for Niagara, the Panthers had
other plans as they came out with a jolt of energy and put the Knights onto their heels
early on. After winning the 1 st set by 7 points, the Panthers continued rolling into the 2 nd
set and shocked the Knights with a come-from-behind win to take set 2 and a
commanding 2-0 lead. The 3 rd set finally saw some resemblance of life from the Knights
as they were all over the court, keeping balls alive and capitalizing on the Panthers'
mistakes. After a tough battle, the Knights came out with the 3 rd set victory by a
convincing 6 points. The 4 th set was similar to the 3 rd set, seeing the Panthers and
Knights battle back-and-forth, ultimately having the Knights tie the match up at 2 sets
apiece. The 5 th set saw the Knights start off working out some kinks communication
wise before fighting back to take the 8-6 lead as the teams switched sides. The
Panthers fought back to tie the game up until the Knights took an 11-9 lead, a lead in
which they would not give up as they won the game 15-12 on a Natalie Little attack and
a 3-2 victory.
Montanna Taylor, the 5 th year setter from St. Catharine's, Ontario, led the Knights
posting 14 points on 9 kills with 20 assists, 18 digs, 3 service aces and 2 blocks.
Following close behind was 4 th year outside hitter, Abbey Gooder, with 11 points of her
own on 10 kills, 14 digs, 1 block and 1 assist. Tess Kelly and Sam Cormier, middles
from the Niagara region, combined for 15 points on 7 kills, 6 blocks, 5 digs and 2
service aces.
Head coach of the Knights, Steve Stone, was ecstatic after the win saying that it was "a
thrilling game for the fans to watch and a little different for the individuals involved."
Stone continued to comment that he was "so proud of the girls – they showed incredible
grit and belief in themselves, knowing they were more than capable of winning." When
asked about their upcoming matchup, Stone said that they "look forward to being able to
host again – we'll prepare this week and be ready."
Your Niagara Knights will get set to host the OCAA West #7 seeded team in the
Redeemer Royals on Saturday evening. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00pm at the Simplii
Financial Athletic Centre at the Welland Campus. A win will see the Knights head off to
the OCAA Championships – come on out and support your Knights to victory!

For more information on the Knights' teams, please visit us at www.goknights.ca.