February 15, 2026 

OTTAWA, ONT: The Niagara College women's volleyball team (8-9) entered the post-season as the 6th seed in the West and made the drive across Ontario for their crossover playoff matchup against the Algonquin Wolves (12-5) - the #3 seed in the East. The long road trip seemed to be a problem for the Knights as they had trouble controlling Algonquin's attack, ultimately losing the match 3-0 (set scores were 20-25, 11-25 and 18-25). 

After going down early in set 1, Niagara was able to battle back and bring the score to within 2 points late in the set.  Unfortunately, the Knights weren't able to get any closer as Algonquin was able to go on a late run of their own, putting the Knights down 1-0.  In the 2nd set, the Knights were able to come out with some fire as they took an early 5-2 lead.  The Wolves battled back, quickly recapturing the lead, and the Knights could not find any way to stop Algonquin's offense.  Trying everything they could, Niagara just couldn't seem to find any openings as the Wolves went on to take the 2-0 set lead.  The 3rd set had the Knights chasing once again, as they could not muster up any type of consistent attack or apply any pressure to the Wolves' defense.  Giving all they could, the Knights fell short in this one, losing the 3rd set and the game.  Kyleigh Baxter led the Knights with 8 points on 8 kills and added in 6 digs.  Tess Kelly and Abbey Gooder combined for 14 points on 9 kills, 10 digs, 7 assists, 4 blocks and 1 service ace.  

Talking with Steve Stone, head coach of the Niagara Knights, after the game, he was quick to point out how he is so "proud to coach this team but no one ever likes ending on a loss."  Stone continued to comment by saying that the "game came down to execution and making unforced errors that we don't normally make.  Algonquin served tough and they were really working well together.  The compete remained for the ladies but Algonquin executed better than us today." 

The early playoff exit ends the season for the Niagara Knights.  The Knights will take some time off before getting back to work in the early fall, with women's volleyball tryouts beginning in mid-September.  Keep your eye on our website and socials for all updates regarding the 2026-2027 season. 

For more information on the Knights' teams, please visit us at www.goknights.ca.