At RDC, Kings defeat Lions in 3 sets

Yesterday, the Red Deer College Kings put forth a strong effort in Calgary and defeated the Ambrose University Lions in 3 sets. Tonight, there was some inconsistent play on their home court but the Kings came away with the same result.

On Saturday, the Kings picked up where they left off and won the opening set 25-15. In the 1st set Regan Fathers had 4 kills while Matthew Lofgren picked up 2 service aces for the Kings.

The 2nd set was close in the early going (4-4 and 8-8) but then the Kings built up a 5 point lead (16-11). Eventually RDC won 25-19. Ty Moorman had a 2 set total of 4 kills. As a team, the Kings totalled 28 kills, 6 service aces and 17 digs after 2 sets.

Both sides were even on several occasions throughout the 3rd set (3-3, 9-9 and 14-14). The Kings pulled ahead and capped off the match with a 25-21 victory. As a group, the RDC Kings finished with 43 kills, 7 service aces and 27 digs.

While the victory was nice, Kings Head Coach Aaron Schulha didn't think his team was as sharp as yesterday.

"It wasn't a spectacular win but Ambrose was undermanned. They had a few starters out, so with a full allotment of players it may have been a different game," said Schulha. "I don't think we played as gritty as we did yesterday. We had a lot of missed serves but we had more aces tonight. There is a lot of sickness going around the team as well."

Luke Brisbane and Adam Turlejski are eyeing a return to the Kings lineup from injuries.

"Luke trained on Wednesday but there was still hesitation with his quad so we shut him down. He's doing everything in his power to get back but it is taking longer than expected," said Schulha. "Adam is progressing quite nicely so he will practice at the start of this week and see how things go. Hopefully we will have a full roster this weekend."

With some key players out of the lineup, opportunities arose for other student-athletes.

"We need those game reps for Ryan (Beatson). That will only help us going down the line," said Schulha. "Scott (Irvine) has played well on the right side so that opens up a double sub opportunity. We will need everybody so those game reps are important."

Matthew Lofgren was chosen as the Kings player-of-the-game. The Kamloops native finished with 7 kills, 1 assist, 3 service aces, 6 digs and 1 stuff block.

With the victory, the Kings (14-2) remain in 1st place in the ACAC Men's Volleyball South Division with 28 points and extend their winning streak to 9 matches in a row.

Friday, Jan. 20 the RDC Kings face the SAIT Trojans in Calgary at 8:00 p.m. The Kings host the Trojans at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.