The RDC Queens roster was at full strength in the final of the Wild Rose Classic volleyball tournament Sunday, which proved to much for the Olds Broncos.
The Queens, with both Brooke Sutter and Karissa Kuhr back in the lineup, rolled to a 25-13, 25-12 victory over the Broncos to win their second straight tournament.
The previous weekend the Queens defeated the University of Calgary Dinos to win the Battle of the Rockies in Cranbrook, B.C.
“Both Karissa and Brooke had first degree sprains and they could have played all weekend if needed,” explained Queens head coach Talbot Walton. “But we tried to rest them early, then split them up for both matches yesterday (Saturday), so they wouldn’t put to much strain on their ankles and would hopefully be ready for today.”
Kuhr played in a 25-23, 25-22 win over Lethbridge College Kodiaks in the quarter-finals Saturday, and Sutter was in for a 25-16, 25-19 win over the SAIT Trojans in the semifinal.
“I expected they’d both be ready today as they’re tough and would play with broken ankles if they needed to,” said Walton. “It’s nice to have them both on the floor. It seems we’re steadier and more sure of ourselves when they’re out there. We know what is going to happen when we set the ball to them and you can tell there’s a comfort level for the team to build on.”
Sutter is one of the premier defensive players in the Alberta Colleges Women’s Volleyball League, which certainly helped as the Queens made few defensive mistakes against the Broncos.
“We weren’t overpowered by many balls. We took their best. Maddi (libero Maddi Quinn) was outstanding. She covers so much and this year she’s playing responsibly, not trying to play outside of herself. And her range is getting bigger and bigger every day.”
Walton indicated he was a little worried heading into the final.
“Olds have some big kids, who are very athletic. But we knew at some time in this tournament we’d find some competition and we had to stand up for ourselves. We got lots of games in Cranbrook and hoped to bang out a good performance in the Wild Rose.”
Broncos head coach Chris Wandler would rather have won, but indicated the match may be good for his team.
“We needed to see where we’re at and we do have some work to do to compete with the top level. It’s good to get our rear end kicked at times to motivate the girls to get back into the gym and work to get better.”
The Broncos have 10 players back from last season with seven newcomers.
“That’s a difference between this year and last,” said Wandler. “Last year we’d have athletes on the floor and couldn’t make changes. This year we have backups who can come in when needed.”
The Broncos reached the final by defeating The Kings University College Eagles 25-14, 25-27, 15-11 and the RDC Alumni 25-27, 25-20, 15-5.
The Alumni, who beat Concordia University College 25-22, 25-16 in the quarter-finals, took third place with a 25-18, 27-25 win over SAIT.
Dinos 3 Kings 2
CALGARY — The RDC Kings dropped a 16-25, 25-23, 15-25, 26-24, 12-15 decision to the University of Calgary Dinos in the final of the Mount Royal University men’s tournament Saturday evening.
“It was a little disappointing as we led 10-7 in that fifth set, but we made a few mistakes and they didn’t,” said Kings head coach Aaron Schulha. “But overall it was a great experience for our guys to see the level of volleyball they should be playing at.”
Braydon O’Toole led the Kings in the final with 21 kills.
The Kings reached the final with a 25-20, 25-18, 25-23 win over MRU. They earlier lost to the Dinos and beat the U of Regina.
Basketball Queens 60
Briercrest 47
EDMONTON — The Queens finished the CIS/ACAC preseason women’s basketball tournament at the Saville Centre in style Saturday with a 60-47 win over the Briercrest Bible College Clippers.
Jessica Foley led the Queens, who finished at 1-2, with 14 points.
“It was a good job defensively while we rebounded well and took care of the ball as well as I’ve seen since I’ve been here,” said Queens head coach Mike Woollard.