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Domoney digs her way into record books

The RDC Queens fourth-year libero set a new school record for career digs with 896
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RDC Queens fourth-year libero Kaylee Domoney out of Red Deer set a new school record for digs with 896. The Queens also swept the Kodiaks in three straight sets and won their 11th match in a row. (Photo by BYRON HACKETT/Advocate Staff)

On most nights, Kaylee Domoney goes quietly about her business without much fanfare.

The fourth-year RDC Queens libero, a back-row player whose primary job is to pass and play defence, isn’t the one that usually draws big cheers from the crowd.

But, after the Queens finished off a three-set sweep over the Lethbridge College Kodiaks Friday, their 11th straight victory, Domoney got quite the ovation from the hometown faithful.

The Red Deer product, with 12 digs in the match, set a new school record for digs, with 896 on her career. She passed Krista Lougheed, who had 843 over her career, to establish the new mark.

“It’s a great feeling, it’s awesome. Just the hard work I’ve put into it getting me here,” Domoney said.

What makes the mark even more special, is Domoney essentially accomplished the feat over two and half years, after being a back up in her first season as a Queen.

Queens coach Talbot Walton said his libero has become so reliable, that some times the Queens hitters take foregranted how good a passer they have delivering them the ball.

“They sometimes take it for granted because she doesn’t get overly excited with the fact that she made a one out of 10 dig,” he said.

“It’s normal business for her. The rest of the team doesn’t really respond. Its that’s just Kaylee, she does those things on a daily basis. I think in the back of their heads understand they have something special in (Kaylee) and they are appreciative she’s on our side.”

Walton added it’s the libero’s defensive range that sets her apart now as well as staying steady through the ebbs and flows of a match.

“She’s ultra-competitive, but she never really puts it on the outside. She sort of channels it through her play. Almost has that will to make herself good every single time. There is never that peak or valley type of thing,” Walton said.

Domoney, for her efforts, said she’s always seen the value in the role, even when maybe not everybody does.

“I find my job one of the most important, because it’s one of the first contacts, getting the ball up so the rest of the play can happen. I take pride in that,” she said.

As a team Friday, it was another dominant effort for the Queens, as they continue to chase down the Briercrest College Clippers for first in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association south division. Walton said there was a bit of rust against the Kodiaks, but the Queens shook it off quickly and got back to what they’ve done best all year.

“It’s always a nervous time when you have that six week break. One of those situations where you ask, did we do enough good work in that six weeks and have we improved,” Walton said.

“A little bit out of sorts (in the first set) and we relaxed really quickly and got into that serving and passing game and I think we controlled that part of the match really well. That allowed us to run offence and for the most part, we were able to distribute the ball to all our hitters.”

Second-year outside hitter Tess Pearman led the Queens with nine kills and was player of the game for her efforts. She also had four service aces in the win, while middle Ali Greenshields chipped in seven kills.

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RDC Queens fourth-year libero Kaylee Domoney out of Red Deer set a new school record for digs with 896. The Queens also swept the Kodiaks in three straight sets and won their 11th match in a row. (Photo by BYRON HACKETT/Advocate Staff)


Byron Hackett

About the Author: Byron Hackett

Byron has been the sports reporter at the advocate since December of 2016. He likes to spend his time in cold hockey arenas accompanied by luke warm, watered down coffee.
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