Niagara College’s Knights women’s soccer team has been kicking it up a notch this season. The team played their way to a perfect regular season, winning all six league games and achieving a top 10 CCAA national ranking for three consecutive weeks.
On October 23 at 2 p.m., the team will square off against the Humber Hawks in the (OCAA) quarter-final match in their quest to qualify for the provincial championships, which take place Oct. 29 and 30 at Fanshawe College in London.
Members of the NC community, including President Sean Kennedy, are rooting for the team’s continued success ahead of the qualifying game.
“It’s been very exciting watching our women’s soccer team return to the field this fall with such great success,” said President Kennedy. “On behalf of the NC community, I wish the team all the best this Saturday in their pursuit of the OCAA Championship. Go Knights Go!”
Saturday’s game will be played on home turf at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland (570 River Road), making it the first time the women’s soccer program has earned the home field advantage in the post-season.
“This is our first women’s home soccer playoff game and it’s going to be a fun fall afternoon at Youngs cheering on our Knights team!” said Michele O’Keefe, Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation. “No doubt Coach Lalama will have our squad ready to go.”
“We’re very proud of what the team has accomplished this season,” said Head Coach Rob Lalama. “We have a talented group of players who work very hard in training and who bring it every game. Our goal all year has been to arrive to every game knowing we were prepared physically and mentally – nothing has changed heading into Saturday’s match.”
We. Are. Ready. 🔥🔥
Road to the @TheOCAA Championships begins Saturday for your @niagaracollege Knights Women's Soccer team!
Come out and support them as they take on the @HumberHawks Saturday afternoon in their quarterfinal match!
📍Youngs Sportsplex #3
⏰2:00 PM
🪑BYOC pic.twitter.com/m4ClCHaSdQ— Niagara College Knights (@NC_Knights) October 20, 2021
All fans – including college staff, faculty, students, student-athletes and alumni – are encouraged to attend to cheer on the team. Admission to the game is free and the event is rain or shine, with the exception of inclement weather such as lightening.
Athletics is partnering with NCSAC to provide a half-time barbeque at the game in support of their Nourishing Minds program, asking fans to consider bringing a small cash donation to support the grocery gift card program for NC students.
Fans are also encouraged to BYOC (bring-your-own-chair) and be prepared to provide contact tracing information upon entry. Masks are required when physical distancing is not possible.
For updates about NC’s varsity programs, visit goknights.ca.
