Nov. 20 Niagara College report: Basketball and vollyeball
The Niagara College men’s basketball squad had a .500 week in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association play, thumping Conestoga 75-51 and falling 89-81 to Canadore.
Leading the way for Niagara against Conestoga were: rookie Jason Sache with 19 points and 11 rebounds; Reggie Williams with 14 points; Simon Ricketts-Ewan with 10 points and nine rebounds; and, Khayden Stewart with nine points, six steals and five assists.
“This was a much-needed win against a good Conestoga team. We locked in on defence and took advantage of our pressure D by converting turnovers into buckets,” Niagara head coach Phil Mosley said. “We stalled a little in the third, but finished the game very strong and composed.”
Performing well for Niagara against Canadore were: Kenneth Reckley with 16 points and five rebounds; Mason Donaldson with 13 points; Raheem Dennis with 11 points; and, Ethan Alino-DelaCruz with 10 points.
“We fell flat against a very hungry and determined team. We could not find our energy and struggled in many facets of the game,” Mosley said. “I give Canadore full credit for this victory. We will definitely regroup and prepare to play a solid team Thursday at home.”
Niagara (3-4) hosts Redeemer (2-5) Friday at 8 p.m.and Fanshawe (4-3) Sunday at 3 p.m.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Niagara’s women’s basketball team pushed its OCAA record to 4-2 with a 59-44 victory over Conestoga.
Topping the stat sheet for Niagara were: Jamira Rousseau with 16 points and five assists; Lexxus Bell with 11 points and 10 rebounds; Kate Roth with 11 points; and, Taryn Mitchell with seven points and five rebounds.
“Good solid road win on Wednesday. Not our best performance but we will take the learning and apply it forward,” Niagara head coach Chris Rao said. “We got great output from Jamira Rousseau and Lexxus Bell. They were both very big for getting us going in this game. The leadership from Jamira especially was impressive, it’s great to continue to watch her grow as a player and leader.”
Rousseau, a Welland Notre Dame grad, was named Niagara College’s female athlete of the week.
Niagara hosts Redeemer (2-5) Friday at 6 p.m.and Fanshawe (3-3) Sunday at 1 p.m.
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Niagara men’s volleyball team dropped a 3-2 decision (23-25, 18-25, 25-15, 25-21 and 13-15) to the Clair Saints.
“What a great game of volleyball to be apart of. We tried a new look to start the game and it put us in a 0-2 hole,” Niagara head coach Steve Stone said. “The team responded with some consistent play and applied pressure and we were in a spot to win it in the fifth but just couldn’t close the door. That’s a big and strong serving team and our serve receive was locked in all game. Proud of the fight the team showed and a lot of good things to take away from that game.”
Top performers for Niagara were: Carter Thurman with 25 assists; Ashton Nieuwets with 11 kills; and, Liam Marchetti with 10 kills.
Niagara (5-2) is at Redeemer (3-5) Wednesday before hosting Mohawk (4-4) Saturday at 3 p.m.
Thurman was named Niagara College’s male athlete of the week after recording 25 assists, eight digs and a service ace against St. Clair.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
The women’s volleyball team was swept 3-0 (21-25, 12-25 and 19-25) by the St. Clair Saints.
“The outcome may not have been in our favour this time, but I was pleased with how our team executed our game plan,” Niagara head coach Elaine Pilgrim-Susi said. “St. Clair is a strong opponent and we knew going into the game it was going to be a battle. We will use this experience as motivation to continue to improve and grow as a team.
Abbey Gooder was named Niagara’s player of the game with six kills, three solo blocks and two service aces.
“She demonstrated true sportsmanship, determination and teamwork,” she said.
Kyleigh Baxter had five kills for Niagara and Montanna Taylor recorded 10 assists.
Niagara (5-2) is at Redeemer (4-4) Wednesday before hosting Mohawk (5-3) Saturday at 3 p.m.
