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Kings, Queens dominate on homecoming weekend

Basketball and volleyball teams off to hot starts
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The RDP Queens are off to a 2-0 start in ACAC women's volleyball play.

Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens basketball gave the homecoming crowds over the weekend plenty to cheer about. 

The Queens dominated in their home opener, crushing the Ambrose University Lions 79-39 Saturday at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. RDP led 39-19 at half and added another 40 points in the second half to secure the victory. 

The home side had a balanced scoring attack in the victory, as nine of 10 players on the roster scored at least a point, and three players were in double figures. First-year forward Rachel Harvey led the way with a double-double, 16 points and 11 rebounds, along with three steals and one assist. First-year Australian guard Millie Cracknell also had a double-double, with 12 points and 11 assists, also adding four rebounds and four steals.

Rookie guard Jorgia Hicks of Red Deer came off the bench and played 18 minutes, adding 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. 

The Queens shot 49.3 per cent from the field, 30.8 per cent from three-point range and 60 per cent from the free-throw line. 

The Queens also won 77-51 over the Lions on Friday in Calgary to open the season 2-0. Brandi Thibeaux led the Queens in that win, with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals and four assists. 

The RDP Kings also opened the season 2-0 with a pair of victories over the Lions. In Saturday's 86-66 win at home, the Kings trailed by four at half time, before outscoring the Lions 45-21 in the second half. They locked down defensively in the fourth quarter, only allowing the Lions to scored seven points. 

The Kings shot 47 per cent from the field, 38.2 per cent from three and 53.8 per cent from free throw line. Four of the five Kings' starters were in double figures, led by José Mauro Barrozo Jr. The third-year Brazilian guard had 24 points in the win, along with 14 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals. MacGregor Manyluk and Cole Wicker each pitched in 12 points, while starter Lucaas Kuprowski added eight. 

Both the Kings and Queens travel to Fort McMurray to take on the Keyano College Huskies Thursday. They will also be on the road Friday against the Lakeland College Rustlers. 

Kings Hockey 

The RDP Kings also picked up a win Saturday in Edmonton, their first of the 2024-25 ACAC season. 

RDP needed overtime Saturday in Edmonton, but squeaked out a 6-5 overtime win against the NAIT Ooks. Second-year Dawson Leroux had a pair of goals and an assist in the victory. Fourth-year forward Chase Haygarth added a goal and two assists, while Jarod Newell, Kasey Hiemstra and Nolan Doell all added goals. Kings goalie Kristian Lyon made 40 saves to earn the win in net. 

The Kings are 1-3 on the season and will host the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Queens Hockey 

The Queens also made it to overtime Saturday in Edmonton, but lost 4-3 in double overtime to the Ooks. Fourth-year forward Jailyn Bablitz had the only goal of the first and added her second of the afternoon 7:18 into the second. NAIT cut the deficit but sophomore Chole Belter scored shorthanded with 5:10 left in the period to restore the two goal lead. 

NAIT scored early in the third and added the tying goal with 1:37 left in the period. The Ooks scored 55 seconds into double overtime to secure the victory. 

Queens goalie Izzy Palumbo made 25 saves in the loss. 

The Queens are 3-4 on the year and have a bye next weekend. 

Kings Volleyball

The Kings improved to 2-0 after winning their home opener Friday and knocking off the Ambrose University Lions Saturday in Calgary. In the four-set victory (25-13, 25-22, 16-25, 25-20), Zachary Neufeld led the way with 10 blocks and seven kills. A pair of Lindsay Thurber products also had a big day in Saturday's win. Fourth-year left-side Colby Nemeth finished with 13 kills and five blocks, while fourth-year outside Brett Lower had 12 kills, three blocks and an ace. 

Queens Volleyball

The Queens also picked up a four-set victory (25-18, 25-15, 23-25, 25-17) over the Lions Saturday in Calgary. Third-year Red Deer product Lauren Junck had a huge match, leading the way with 18 kills. Third-year outside hitter Sarah Mistol also had a strong game with eight kills. 

Both the Kings and Queens will host the Lakeland College Rustlers on Friday, before taking on the Keyano College Huskies at home on Saturday. Both nights the Queens play at 6 p.m., with the Kings to follow. 

 

 



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