Volleyball Queens over Rattlers in four sets

Yesterday, the Red Deer College Queens started slowly against the Medicine Hat College Rattlers, but once the Queens got rolling they were unbeatable, sweeping the Rattlers in three sets. Saturday the RDC Queens had a strong start and defeated the Rattlers in four sets.

The RDC Queens began the first set well and never trailed in the opener. The Queens pushed their lead to 8 points (12-4) and eventually won 25-18.

Once again RDC started well in the second set and when leading 6-2, Rattlers Head Coach, Kim Stonehouse called a time-out. The Queens extended their lead by 6 points (15-9) and won 25-16, going up 2 sets to 0.

In the third set Medicine Hat College took their first lead of the match, opening up 3-1. The Rattlers eventually took the third set 25-20 but the Queens still led the match 2 sets to 1.

The fourth set went back and forth and was tied at various stages throughout. The RDC Queens won 25-22 and took the match 3 sets to 1.

Queens Head Coach Chris Wandler thought it was an overall solid weekend with a few lapses.

"The last set and a half we made it tougher on ourselves. We took it too casually that things would come back and it gave them a spark but we finally got it back," said Wandler. "For five and half sets it was pretty good on the weekend with a little lack of focus. It is something than can be talked about and fixed. It's nice to know that your team can hit the reboot button and regroup. Our subs did a heck of a job in the third and fourth set filling in, and that's what their job is." 

Jessica Jones played well, contributing 10 kills, 7 digs and 2 service aces and her strong play was noticed by Wandler. 

"I thought Jessica played a good game," said Wandler. "It was probably the best I've seen her play. She was ready to go."

Lauren Marshall was chosen as the Queens player-of-the-game and finished with 17 digs.

Wandler has noticed improvement in the Bachelor of Education student.

"Lauren is starting to get a nose for the ball and a feel for the receive," said Wandler. "Once she feels comfortable giving herself permission to take more space around her teammates it makes us a better team."

The RDC Queens face the Briercrest Clippers Nov. 4 and 5 in Caronport, Saskatchewan.