The Niagara College Knights Women’s Volleyball team defeated the Seneca College Sting 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 16-25, 26-24, and 15-13) in an OCAA Championships qualifying game on Sunday afternoon in Welland.

“We started off playing our game plan perfectly and won the first set”, said head coach Joey Martins. “Coupled with Seneca coming out strong and getting us off of our game plan made it tough for the girls in the next two sets. We dug deep in the fourth set and never gave up. I am very proud of our team for the effort they put forth today,” he added.

Jenna Bray (Burlington, ON) and Marieka Ouimette (Spencerville, ON) led the way offensively for Niagara. Bray had a game-high 19 kills and an ace for 20 points, to go along with 18 digs defensively. Meanwhile, Ouimette recorded 13 kills, one ace, and five blocks for 19 points. Her one ace happening at match-point in the fifth set.

The Knights will now play in the OCAA Championships taking place from February 23 – 25 at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. They will face the Cambrian College Shield in their first match taking place at 8:00pm on Thursday.

The Shield won the OCAA East Region title, and an automatic birth into the OCAA Championships with a record of 19-1. Their only loss took place in their last regular season game when they dropped a 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-21, 25-15) decision to the Seneca Sting. This will be the first meeting of the year between the Knights and the Shield.