It's been a fantastic first half of the season for Niagara Knights women's soccer standout Jackie Lawther. The fourth year striker is one of the hottest players in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), posting an impressive six goals in her team's last four games.
The six goals in the last two weeks, triples the previous single season scoring record for the Knights women's soccer program. Lawther has played a key role in helping propel the Knights to an impressive four game unbeaten streak, and sees the team sitting in a playoff spot in the 'group of death' OCAA Central division.
"Quite simply, Jackie Lawther is an outstanding player" said Niagara College women's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis. "She has tremendous skill and game changing speed. Our team is performing very well, and she has been a major factor in our recent success."
Lawther's performance has not gone unnoticed. She was named both the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) and CCAA athlete of the week for the week of September 29-October 6th. It marks the first time in Niagara College women's soccer history that a Knights player has earned CCAA athlete of the week honours.
Last season, Lawther enjoyed a strong first year in the OCAA in 2014. After competing for two seasons as a member of the Bishops Gaiters, Lawther was named a 2014 OCAA All-Star and CCAA All-Canadian. She has taken her performance to new heights in 2015.
"When you see Jackie at the college she is in full student mode and her grades reflect that. There is never a moment of uncertainty when we are discussing academics and what her current workload is at school" continued DeChellis. "She is very organized which is ultimate foundation for success. She will definitely be a graduate that Niagara College is proud to call one of their own."
The Grimsby native and Blessed Trinity graduate is currently enrolled in her second year of the Niagara College sport management program. She currently sits in third place in the OCAA goal scoring race, and her and the rest of the Knights women's soccer program will host a pivotal matchup against the third place Sheridan Bruins on Friday, October 9th at 4:00 pm at Youngs SportsPlex.
