The RDC Kings made an emphatic statement to start 2020.
Taking on the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference south division-leading Lethbridge College Kodiaks, it was the Kings who proved to be a force Friday.
The Kings swept the Kodiaks at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, winning 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 to take the match.
It was the fourth straight win for the Kings dating back to November and moved them into a tie with Lethbridge for first in the division.
“I thought it was fairly clean. I thought in all three sets we made a pretty steady push in the middle of the game, which was kind of the difference. In the first set in particular, it looked like two really good teams going back and fourth, then we kinda pulled away,” said Kings coach Aaron Schulha.
“We can definitely tighten some things up, but to beat a team like that in three sets you’ve gotta be pleased with most things.”
Schulha added that his team’s ability make like difficult on Lethbridge with tough serving and strong defence was ultimately the difference Friday.
“What I was really impressed with was our first contacts. I thought our serving and our receive was really good. They’re a good serving team, especially their two spin servers, so for us to receive that well (was good),” added Schulha.
First-year outside hitter Carter Hills was a force for the Kings in the victory, he led the match with 12 kills.
“He’s a gamer. He’s progressed immensely since the start. He was a team Alberta kid and we recruited him. We knew he had some high upside. He’s playing like a veteran. He’s got a really kick arm,” Schulha said.
“He’s pretty flexible and he’s got a lot of pace with the quick arm and puts teams he trouble. He can hit multiple angles and his serve was awesome tonight.”
Red Deer product Ben Holmes also chipped in seven kills and middle Mark de Wit had five.
The Kings will host the Kodiaks Saturday afternoon, with first serve set for 3 p.m., at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.