The RDC Queens made quick work of the Medicine Hat College Rattlers in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference women’s volleyball on Friday.
RDC swept the visitors in three straight sets (25-16, 25-18, 25-21) in their second last home match of the season and never really ran into trouble in the match.
“I thought we served the ball effective tonight and really put them into distress. Then our transition volleyball was really good,” Queens head coach Chris Wandler said.
The Queens finished the match with eight aces.
RDC Fourth-year middle Hanna Delemont was clutch for the Queens in the win, with a number of key blocks down the stretch. The Red Deer native was named a player of the game for her performance with five kills, five blocks, and three digs.
“She was great in transition on and off the net. Chanelle (Kayser) found her in some good spots and that opened up some opportunities for our outside hitters,” Wandler said.
Fourth-year left side hitter Naomi Jardine of Lacombe led the way with nine kills and right side McKenna Barthel was also strong offensively with seven kills.
Libero Kaylee Domoney had 11 digs in the match and Kayser had 25 assists in the victory.
Wandler added that with just a game left before provincial next weekend, he hoped to see a consistent performance on the weekend from his group.
“Looking to play smooth and to make sure that the execution of the game plan is done to a tee. We did a good job of that tonight. Just no major dips,” Wandler said.
The RDC Kings also picked up a three-set win (25-15, 25-19, 25-22) over the Rattlers.
It was a crucial victory for the Kings who are currently on the outside looking in of the ACAC South Division standings with one game left Saturday.
Kings head coach Aaron Schulha said he liked the consistency from his team in the win Friday and hopes that they can get some help in the standings and earn a playoff berth.
“It was fairly smooth for the most part. I thought we got a little loose with our serve receive at the end,” he said.
“We still found a way to squeak it out, so that’s a positive. We’ve been playing pretty good volleyball as of late. We’re hoping it’s not too late, but we put ourselves in that position where we’ve got to win out and we need some help along the way.”
The Kings need a pair of losses from the Lethbridge College Kodiaks this weekend to catch them for the final playoff spot in the south.
Second-year right side Hamish Hazelden was player of the game for RDC and the six-foot-nine player from Austraila has been a force since returning for the Kings. Hazelden had 12 kills and five digs in the win.
First-year setter Tom Watts also settled in and had a nice night for RDC with 29 assists.
Schulha said it has taken awhile for the rookie from Austraila to settle in, but he’s come into his own of late.
“With our setters’ development, our offense is going to look a bit more crisp. Having Hamish healthy obviously helps, too,” Schulha said.
“I’m pleased with the way we’ve been progressing lately. I think we’re peaking at the right time, but we just hope it’s not too late.”
RDC will take on the Rattlers again Saturday afternoon.
Email sports tips to Byron Hackett
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter