Oct. 9: Niagara College report
Soccer players once again took home athlete of the week honours at Niagara College.
Men’s soccer player Oti Frigole of St. Catharines has been named the male athlete of the week for the second time this season.
The first-year social services student set the Knights program record notching his ninth goal of the season in a 4-0 victory over the Redeemer Royals. Entering the contest with six goals on the season, Frigole potted three goals in a statement victory for the Knights.
Frigole surpassed the record previously held by Matt Miedema, who scored eight goals during the 2009 season.
With a playoff spot secured, the Knights now have their sights set on the first overall spot in the OCAA West Division. They take on the Fanshawe Falcons, who sit three points ahead of Niagara for first place entering the contest, on Tuesday in London.
Women’s soccer player Chelsea Hay earned the female athlete of the week award following the Knights 2-1 victory over the Redeemer Royals.
In her second season at Niagara, the fitness and health promotion student has been a steadying force on the Knights backline. Having returned to the lineup following a one-year hiatus, Hay played a pivotal role in the victory last week, turning aside the Redeemer attack before it was able to get started.
On top of her defensive prowess, Hay also engaged in the offence with a straightforward 70-yard run with the ball that nearly resulted in a second half goal for the Knights.
Head coach Rob Lalama was complimentary of Hay, and her teammates’ performances.
“She (Hay), Lauren Frasca, and Maddy Harley turned in solid performances in a winning effort to maintain our hold on second place,” Lalama said.
Following an eight-day break, the Knights put their four-game winning streak on the line Wednesday at Fanshawe.
Women’s soccer
The Knights (6-2, 2nd OCAA West) defeated the visiting Redeemer Royals 2-1.
Kara Latham (Welland) and Michelle Maecker (Fonthill) were the two goal scorers for the Knights. Alexis Hebert earned the victory in goal, her fifth of the season. The victory was one for the record books, as it extended their winning streak to four games which is a new program record. Their sixth victory of the season also extends their single-season wins record which was previously four.
“This team is learning how to win big matches,” Lalama said. “We knew Redeemer was going to be tough. At half, I reminded the women to keep working hard and to be patient. I have to give credit to Kara (Latham) with leading us in the comeback.
“She scored the tying goal and was all over the field tonight, raising her game to a new level.”
Men’s soccer
The Knights men’s soccer program continued their historic season Tuesday night in their 4-0 victory over the Redeemer Royals as they extended their winning streak to three games.
Harrison Fyke (Ridgeway) scored his first goal as a Knight, opening the scoring in the 26th minute. After taking their 1-0 lead into the break, it was all Niagara in the second-half as Frigole scored three unanswered goals for his first career OCAA hat-trick and became the Niagara Knights record-holder for single season goals.
Goalkeeper Nolan Bradshaw (Niagara Falls) earned his third shutout of the season.
Golf
The Knights golf team finished fifth at the 2018 OCAA Golf Championships hosted by the Fanshawe Falcons at the FireRock Golf Club. The three-round tournament ran from October 1-3.
The result marks an improvement over last season, as the Knights moved back into Division I after capturing the Division II championship a year ago.
Marshall Pemberton was outstanding for the Knights, finishing in sixth place overall in the men’s individual standings. Pemberton was consistent all tournament long, finishing the tournament on a high note by shooting +2.
Chris Hallborg (St. Catharines) finished 19th, Logan Lammerant finished tied for 22nd, Spencer Gates (Fort Erie) tied for 24th and Matthew Gibson (Jordan) finished 32nd.
Basketball
The men’s basketball team defeated Durham 86-78 and lost 75-74 to Seneca in exhibition action.
The women’s team lost 74-64 to Niagara and 70-45 to Seneca in a pair of exhibition games.
Coverage of the Niagara Knights is made possible with the support of the Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation. For more information, please visit www.goknights.ca.
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