March 7, 2022 - The Niagara Knights women's volleyball team's 3-1 win over the Redeemer Royals proved to be the perfect backdrop to Saturday afternoon's final home game of the season that also marked Senior Day for two graduation athletes.
Knight's libero, Alexis Barclay and middle Kendra Adams will graduate from their respective programs this spring.
The Knights jumped out to a quick 25-15 first set win over Redeemer to go up 1-0.
Niagara looked like they were on the verge of a sweep after winning set two 25-19 to go up 2-0.
The Royals, however, weren't going down without a fight. Clawing their way back to take a big 16-25 set three win to cut the Knights lead in half and force a fourth set.
Niagara eventually put the final nail in the coffin to cruise to a 3-1 win with a 25-19 fourth set victory.
Natasha Desjardins once again put up big numbers for the blue and white, finishing with 16 points (13 kills, 8 digs). Desjardins finished the regular season second in the OCAA in kills per set at 3.58, and third overall in number of kills with 118. Other OCAA leaders include Alexis Barclay, who sits second in total digs with 100, and Rachael Bickford in service aces per set (3rd place, 0.88) and assists per set (3rd, 7.94).
The win solidifies Niagara's fifth place finish in the OCAA West Division with a 5-4 record. The fifth place finish means the Knights will hit the road for their playoff qualifying game Thursday March 10th at St. Clair (4th West). The winner of the qualifying match will advance to the OCAA quarterfinal.
For full stats and standings, please visit ocaa.com
2022 OCAA Playoff Format Below:
QUALIFYING GAMES - March 10
Game A: East #8 @ East #1
Game B: West #5 @ West #4
Game C: West #7 @ West #2
Game D: East #6 @ East #3
Game E: West #8 @ West # 1
Game F: East #5 @ East #4
Game G: East #7 @ East #2
Game H: West #6 @ West #3
QUARTER FINALS - March 12 (High Seed Host)
Game 1: Winner Game A vs. Winner Game B
Game 2: Winner Game C vs. Winner Game D
Game 3: Winner Game E vs. Winner Game F
Game 4: Winner Game G vs. Winner Game H
FINAL FOUR @ top seed - March 16-17
Day 1 - March 16
6:00pm - Semi-Final #1: Winner of Quarter-Final #1 vs. Winner of Quarter-Final #2
8:00pm - Semi-Final #2: Winner of Quarter-Final #3 vs. Winner of Quarter-Final #4
Day 2 - March 17
5:00pm - BRONZE MEDAL GAME: Loser Semi-Final #1 vs. Loser Semi-Final #2
7:30pm - GOLD MEDAL GAME: Winner Semi-Final #1 vs. Winner Semi-Final #2
