Dec. 5 Niagara College report
The Niagara College men’s volleyball team headed into the Christmas break with a 6-3 record following a 3-2 (16-25, 25-23, 12-25, 25-18 and 16-14) victory over St. Clair (4-5).
“That was an ultimate team win,” Knights head coach Steve Stone said. “I’m so proud of the boys for never giving up. Those two sets we lost were pretty ugly but that’s the beauty of volleyball. Each set you get an opportunity to start fresh and the boys really stepped up. They never quit and enjoyed playing some tough volleyball. Mitch Churipuy had his second start of the season and he really gave us a boost defensively and with his demeanour.”
Colin Prelaz led the way for Niagara with 23 points from 22 kills and 10 digs.
“Colin Prelaz played his best ball of the season,” Stone said. “I’m proud of his energy and attitude but also the way in which he scored.”
Other top point scorers for Niagara were Ashton Nieuwets (14), Elijah Bugiardini (11) and Churipuy (5).
The Knights return to action Jan. 12 with a home game against the Conestoga Condors (1-8).
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
The Niagara women’s volleyball team (6-3) saw its six-match winning streak halted following a 3-1 loss (25-17, 20-25,13-25, and 23-25) to St. Clair (7-3).
Top performers for the Knights were Natasha Desjardins with 13 kills and Madelyn Berg who recorded 25 digs. Berg passed 600 career digs with her performance.
Top point getters for Niagara were Desjardins (13), Hannah Cowie (8), Annastasia Droppert (8) and Hope Nicholson (5).
Niagara returns to action Jan 12 against visiting Conestoga (7-2).
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The Niagara College men’s basketball team (5-4) concluded the first half of its season with a 80-73 home loss against Humber (6-3).
“We had flashes where we played very well,” Knights head coach Phil Mosley said. “We tried multiple defences and they shot very well, but we needed to finish possession down the stretch and find out ways to close out on their outside shooter.”
Niagara led 20-15 after one quarter but Humber rallied to lead 38-37 and 57-46 after the second and third quarters.
Leading the way for the Knights were: Reggie Williams with 27 points; Kenneth Reckley with 11 points and nine boards; Kennan Larmand with 10 points; and, Khayden Stewart with nine points.
The men will resume league play Jan. 14 with a game at Mohawk (8-1).
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Niagara’s women’s basketball team (4-4) saw its three-game winning streak come to an end with a 76-65 home loss to Humber (8-0).
“I thought we played well enough to be in that game,” Niagara head coach Chris Rao said. “It really came down to making plays down the stretch, getting to the line, and handling the ball. Humber just did that better than us tonight.”
The visitors grabbed quarter leads of 22-16, 40-37 and 59-54 to record the victory.
Top performers for Niagara were: Taryn Mitchell with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists; Jamira Rousseau with 14 points and six boards; and, Janee Harrison with 13 points and six rebounds.
“Taryn is a massive part of our success,” Rao said. “She is one of the ballhandlers who always looks to make the right play.”
Niagara returns to league play Jan. 14 with a road game at Mohawk (2-6).