The Sault College Cougars opened their 2026–2027 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) women’s volleyball season on the road October 24th and 25th, travelling to Welland, Ontario, for a two-game series against the Niagara College Knights. Despite a competitive effort from the Cougars, the Knights earned back-to-back three-set victories to begin the new campaign.
Niagara Takes Opening Match in Three Sets
On Saturday, October 24, the Niagara Knights defeated the Sault College Cougars in straight sets, winning 25–18, 25–22 and 26–24. The Cougars battled throughout the contest, coming close to extending the match in the third set before Niagara secured the victory.
Darby Sewell and Payton Baker led the way for Sault College with five points apiece, while the Cougars continued to compete as they worked to find their rhythm in their season opener.
For Niagara, Charlize Trudell led the Knights with 19 points, while Blaire Dawdy contributed nine points and Tia Kelly added seven. The Knights capitalized on their opportunities to close out the match in three sets.
Knights Complete Weekend Sweep
The two teams returned to the court Sunday, October 25, with Niagara once again coming away with a 3–0 victory. The Knights took the opening set 25–18 before edging the Cougars 26–24 in the second. Niagara then closed out the match with a 25–19 decision in the third set.
Sault College continued to battle, particularly in the second set, where the Cougars pushed Niagara beyond the usual 25-point mark before the Knights secured the set. Darby Sewell and Addie Tremblay recorded seven points, while Payton Baker and Alaina Rae Marolt contributed four points each for the Cougars.
Taylor Namtzu delivered a standout performance for Niagara, leading all players with 28 points. Charlize Trudell added 13 points, Angelique Skuta recorded 12, and Tess Kelly finished with 10 as the Knights completed the weekend sweep.
Cougars Turn Their Attention to Home Opener
With their opening road weekend complete, the Cougars will now return to Sault Ste. Marie to prepare for their 2026–2027 home-season debut.
Sault College will host the Boreal Les Vipères at Sault College on Saturday, October 31, with first serve scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The teams will meet again on Sunday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m.
The two-game series will give the Cougars an opportunity to regroup, build on their opening-weekend experience and look for their first victories of the new OCAA women’s volleyball season in front of their home supporters.
