Lady Panthers Split Weekend Matches

The Canadore College Lady Panthers split a pair of weekend games dropping a 3-1 contest to the Fanshawe Falcons while overcoming a two-sets to none start to win a thrilling five-set match against the Niagara Knights.

On Friday evening, the Lady Panthers slow starts and inconsistent play throughout the match led the visiting team to victory.

Fourth year Head Coach, Joey Rainer was disappointed with the loss on Friday.

“Our inability to focus early in the match was our downfall tonight and it is definitely something we need to improve on moving forward,” said Rainer.

The Canadore Panthers Men’s team also lost 3-0 to the Falcons.

On Saturday, the Lady Panthers were determined for a better result. After dropping the opening sets 25-8 and 25-14 the match looked to be out of reach. However the match was far from over. Led offensively by third year left side Kristin Verkuyl, and the strong net play of middle Mackenzie Golka, the Panthers battled back to win the third and fourth sets both by a score of 25-21. The Ladies jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the deciding set and never looked back by eventually winning 15-10 to take the match.

“I’m extremely proud of how the girls battled back and this win feels great.” said Golka.

Coach Rainer was extremely pleased with the overall performance of his club.

“The ladies showed a great deal of courage tonight,” he said.

“The girls are starting to realize just how good they can be and if we continue to work hard, their potential has no limits.”

On the Men’s side, the Panthers got off to a quick start by winning the opening set 25-22. However, the Niagara Knights proved to be too much defeating the men the next three 25-16, 25-17, 25-23 respectively.

The Panthers were led by rookie right side Colin Henderson with 8 kills, 2 aces and 1 stuff block.

The Panthers will now have two weeks to prepare for their next matches scheduled November 20 & 21 when they will host the Sheridan Bruins and the Humber Hawks. The women get under way at 6:00 p.m. followed by the men at 8pm at the Education Centre Gymnasium.

Photo of Kristin Verkuyl