Queens 3 Clippers 2
Mission accomplished.
The RDC Queens completed a weekend sweep of the Briercrest Bible College Clippers Saturday afternoon with a 19-25, 25-19, 25-16, 19-25, 15-7 victory to move into first place in the Alberta Colleges Women’s Volleyball League South Division.
The win, coupled with a 3-0 victory Friday, gave the Queens a 21-3 record while BBC slipped to 20-4.
“We played really well this weekend,” said Queens fourth-year setter Ashley Fehr, who was one of four graduating players honoured following the match.
“We played a solid match yesterday and had to fight today … both matches were helpful heading into the provincials.”
The Queens had their hands full with a spirited BBC squad, but showed their experience and depth when it counted.
“We did the simple things right in that fifth set,” said Queens head coach Chris Wandler. “We didn’t in the first set or early in the fourth, but did when it mattered.”
Wandler told the players before the fifth set that they were lucky to be here and playing in a meaningful game and to get a chance to play this type of set before next weekend and the provincials in Lloydminster.
The Queens depth was evident. It was hard to find a player who didn’t contribute.
Both middle blockers – Megan Schmidt and Hanna Delemont – were solid along with power hitter Miranda Dawe, right side McKenna Barthel, libero Lauren Marshall and Fehr. As well rookies Brittney Davis, Katrina Dawe and Jade Van Dyke all contributed as the second power hitter.
“Ashley worked her tail off and set a great game while McKenna was solid and Miranda had a great game. She was there when we needed her,” said Wandler.
Dawe finished with 16 kills and 18 digs while Schmidt had 13 kills, four digs and an ace. Barthel had nine kills, two aces, nine digs and a block while Delemont chipped in with seven kills, two aces, two digs and two blocks. Fehr had eight digs, 49 assists and two blocks and Katrina Dawe five kills, seven digs, three aces and two blocks.
Finishing first gives the Queens a quarter-final matchup against NAIT on Thursday.
“Finishing first may give you a different matchup, but playing meaningful games this week was more important. It gives everyone confidence moving forward,” said Wandler.
Fehr, a native of Innisfail, had a few tears as she received her recognition.
“I bit emotional,” she said. “I thought of it being my last game this morning, but put it away and concentrated on the match. Then it didn’t really hit me again until they told me what Talbot (former coach Walton) said about me. We still have provincials and nationals, but it was a good career and a good way to finish off my last game at home.”
Fauve Welsh, Marshall, who had 18 digs, and Cherisse Johannson were also honoured as graduating players.
Kings 3 Clippers 0
The Kings showed they’re ready for the provincials, which open Thursday at RDC, with a 25-10, 25-20, 25-16 victory over the Clippers.
“What we wanted was for Ty (Moorman) and Regan (Fathers) to find their rhythm with Luke (setter Brisbane) and I thought they did that,” said Kings head coach Aaron Schulha. “Overall we fixed a few things.”
Fathers, who was honoured as a regulating player, dominated the game, finishing with 19 kills, five aces, a block and eight digs.
“He has the ability to take over a game,” said Schulha. “He did that … it’s good to see and hopefully it carries on.”
The Kings defensive strength was also on display.
“Our transition game was dead on,” said Schulha. “That’s something we take pride in and it showed today.”
Middle blocker Daimyn Biletsky was also honoured prior to the match. He finished with six kills, an ace and one dig while Ty Moorman added 10 kills and two blocks, Matt Lofgren nine kills, seven digs, two aces and two blocks, Brian Grenier six kills and four digs and Brisbane 26 assists in two sets. Ryan Beatson played the third set and had 10 assists and two digs.
Beatson, Moorman, Lofgren, Grenier and libero Michael Sumner are also expected to leave.
“We only make presentations on the court to the guys who played more than two years here. We’ll definitely recognition the other guys later,” said Schulha.
The Kings will face NAIT in the ACAC quarter-finals at 6 p.m. Thursday.