January 19, 2026
SUDBURY, ONT: The Niagara College women's volleyball team (7-5) headed north for a weekend road trip in Sudbury, taking on the Cambrian Shield (8-3) Saturday evening before battling the Boreal Vipers (0-11) Sunday afternoon. The weekend did not begin the way the Knights had planned, as they fell to the Shield 3-1 (set scores were 19-25, 17-25, 25-18 and 16-25). Sunday afternoon had the Knights taking a collective breath as they were able to sweep the Vipers 3-0 (set scores were 25-11, 25-8 and 25-16).
The drive up Highway 400 seemed to have the Knights stuck in a daze as they were having issues gelling early on against Cambrian. After fighting back to close the point gap, Cambrian was able to go on a run late in the first set that they would not give up. The second set was much the same as the first, with the Knights struggling to get any momentum. Heading into the 3rd set, things started clicking for the Knights as they seemed poised for a comeback – taking the early lead that they would turn into a 7-point set victory. Ultimately, the Knights could not stop another mid-set run by the Shield as the comeback was abruptly halted. Amy Barlow (13), Tess Kelly (11) and Laryssa Schipper (10) all ended the game with double-digit points, while combining for 16 blocks, 4 digs, 3 assists and 1 service ace.
Sunday was a much different attitude for the Knights as they entered the game determined to win. Stifling Boreal's offense and putting them on their heels defensively, the Knights were persistent in applying offensive pressure throughout the match. Holding Boreal to only 35 total points in the game, the Knights controlled the pace from start to finish. Just when it looked like the Vipers were gearing up to make a comeback, the Knights found another gear and pulled further ahead – sweeping the Vipers in decisive fashion. Abbey Gooder led the way for the Knights with 14 points on 9 kills, 5 service aces and 3 digs. Kyleigh Baxter followed close behind with 11 points of her own on 10 kills, also contributing 1 dig and 1 block. Tia Kelly controlled the offense and slung the rock with precision, adding 36 assists, 3 digs and 3 service aces.
"It's not the result we were hoping for this weekend but there is a lot of positive take aways for us and things to build on," Steve Stone, head coach of the Knights began to say. "We saw a positive response in the game against Boreal and I'm happy with the progress of the team."
The Knights stay on the road, travelling to Humber College (9-2) for an evening tilt on Thursday, January 22nd. First serve is set for 6:00pm and if you can't make the drive up to the Hawks Nest, be sure to catch all the action on OCAA Live.
For more information on the Knights' teams, please visit us at www.goknights.ca.
