Keating shines, but Kings drop close match in Medicine Hat

Brent Forster - RDC

In a close rematch on Sunday in Medicine Hat, the Red Deer College Kings Volleyball team took an early lead with enthusiastic play but they were in for a battle as only two points separated the Kings and Rattlers in each of the following sets. After the Kings won the first set, the Rattlers eventually picked up a four set win. 

The RDC Kings hit the court with focus and won the first set 25 - 21. The remaining sets were tremendously close and the Rattlers won 28 - 26, 26 - 24 and 25 - 23 to pick up the match win. 

Steven Keating was named the player-of-the-game for the RDC Kings. The outside hitter from Stony Plain finished the match with 9 kills, 15 digs, 4 stuff blocks and 1 service ace.

Kings Volleyball Head Coach Aaron Schulha appreciated the strong start and the play of Keating. "I liked the way that we came out in the first set and how we ran our left-side attack more consistently," said Schulha. "Steve adds a different dynamic with his jumping ability. He did a solid job on the serve-receive and on defence for us this afternoon." 

Ben Holmes returned to the lineup and he provide some spark. "It was nice to have Ben back today, but he showed a bit of rust after being out with an injury," said Schulha. Holmes contributed 9 kills and 12 digs. 

Schulha would like to see an improved ability to put away the set when the opportunity is there. "Our veteran players didn't look after the ball late in the second and third sets when we had a chance to win, so they definitely need to do a better job," said Schulha.

The RDC Kings (5 - 3) will play the Ambrose University Lions (0 - 6) next weekend in a home-and-home series. On Friday, November 10 the Kings will compete against the Lions on the road at 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, November 11, the RDC Kings will host the Ambrose University Lions at 8:00 p.m. in the RDC Main Gym.