DeWit's efficient play helps Kings dispatch Broncos in three sets

Brent Forster - RDC

Red Deer, AB - Mark DeWit was effective from the middle and helped the RDC Kings defeat the Olds College Broncos in three sets (25-20, 25-18 and 25-18) at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. 

In a tight opening set, the Kings were up by three until Tristan Simmonds and Regan Fathers recorded kills. RDC maintained the five point margin, capping off a 25-20 win. 

Kills from Jonathan (JJ) Graham and Paul Mennie gave the Kings an 8-6 edge in the second. Olds College evened the score 10-10 and then the RDC Kings went on a 10-5 run with some strong net play from Mark DeWit and Jonathan (JJ) Graham. Suitably, a block from Mark DeWit finalized a 25-18 victory. 

Jonathan (JJ) Graham (18) Colby Brochu Photography

A well-rounded effort from Regan Fathers in the third set pushed the Kings ahead 11-7. During that stretch, the Kinesiology student contributed a kill, ace and block. The Kings expanded on their four point margin and repeated a 25-18 decision. 

"It was similar to yesterday - up and down at times. They are well coached and they have some good players," says Aaron Schulha, Kings Head Coach. "Number seven, Thundersky Walkingbear did a good job against us yesterday and again today, at times."

Walkingbear tallied 10 kills, 4 digs, 2 assists and 1 ace.

Regan Fathers (1) Colby Brochu Photography

Regan Fathers totaled 17 kills, 3 service aces, 3 digs, 1 stuff block and 1 block assist.

Mark DeWit was selected as the Kings Player-of-the-Game. The Bachelor of Commerce student from Lacombe stacked up 4 kills, 3 block assists, 2 stuff blocks, 2 digs, and hit for 80 per cent efficiency from the middle. 

"Mark was really efficient. We didn't get him enough volume in my opinion and he was really efficient last night as well," says Schulha. "Mark started the bulk of the matches for us as a rookie and he is always a good option. He's making good reads and is very quick. He was getting one-on-ones in the middle and was really reading their setter quite well, I thought. "

In the two weekend victories, a variety of Kings got playing time. "It was decent at times tonight," says Schulha. "Not quite as crisp as we'd like but we were able to start almost everyone this weekend over the two matches, which is a good thing too." 

In their last home match before exams and the Christmas break, the Kings (6-4) will host the Ambrose University Lions (2-6) on Friday, November 16 at 8:00 p.m. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.