Knights swept up in winning

It was a winning weekend on the pitch for Niagara College in men’s and women’s soccer.

Head coach Frank DeChellis’s men’s team and Rob Lalama’s women’s squad combined to go

4-0 in doubleheaders Saturday against St. Clair in Windsor and Sunday versus Lambton in Sarnia.

DeChellis, whose team improved to 3-0, called the victories over St. Clair, 1-0, and Lambton, 4-2, eye-openers for the coaching staff.

“We made some discoveries this weekend about who is ready to play more at this level,” he said. “The veterans are being very selfless in helping the new players find their way on the field.”

Freshman Dean Miller accounted for the scoring against the Saints, while Governor Simcoe graduate Oti Frigole netted the third and fourth goals of his rookie campaign in Sunday’s win over the Lions.

“For the coaches, there is something very uplifting about firstyear players succeeding because you know there is a supporting cast getting them to where they want to go,” DeChellis said.

Noah DiEgidio and Zack DeWeerd also found the back of the Lambton net, and Romario

James earned the shutout in Saturday’s game.

Holy Cross alum Jordi Amores said as a fifth-year player he needs to set an example for his younger teammates.

“We have a lot of great young players, and I’m more than happy to help them fit in as soon as possible in the team,” he said.

Alexis Hebert recorded backto-back shutouts backstopping the Niagara women past St. Clair, 2-0, and Lambton, 2-0.

The 5-foot-2 goalkeeper from Waterdown shared credit for road wins that improved the Knights to 2-1 with her teammates.

“I’m very proud to have earned the two shutouts this weekend, but that’s all thanks to my teammates and my defensive line for really limiting our opponents.

“I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds for us as we are a much stronger team than before.”

Welland Centennial graduate Kara Latham and Saint Francis alum Sophia Al-Kayed scored Saturday against the Saints. Katelyn Mix and Maddy O’Brien provided the offence the following afternoon in Sarnia.

Latham, who is starting her third year with the Knights, was recently named team captain.

“To have the coaching staff have the trust in me to gel the team together and lead them to victory is a good feeling,” the Welland native said. “Captain is a big role and I think it’s important to have someone the girls can count on to talk to, and support them on and off the field.”

Niagara hosts Fanshawe in a doubleheader Wednesday at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland. The women’s game kicks off at 4 p.m. followed by men’s action two hours later.

Fanshawe’s women’s team is 3-0; the men, 2-0-1.

Bernd.Franke@niagaradailies.com 905-225-1624 | @TribSportsDesk